- November 7, 2024
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Wildlife, like this invasive Cuban tree frog, were displaced by the hurricane, and subsequent loss of habitat. Photo by Jacque Estes
Wildlife, like this invasive Cuban tree frog, were displaced by the hurricane, and subsequent loss of habitat. Photo by Jacque Estes
Babs, 33638112, is a 3-year-old female Malinois mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Photo courtesy of FHS
Cheesestick, 33387234, is a 3-year-old female cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Photo courtesy of FHS
Ms. Lopez, 32103978, is a 2-year-old female cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Photo courtesy of FHS
One night last week, as my husband was taking Kodi and Buddy out, he noticed a small frog clutching to a plant stem on the front porch.
As I took photos of the little guy, who looked like he was trying to hide behind the skinny stem, I got to thinking about all of the wildlife that has been displaced post hurricane. Displaced, because people like us who lost shrubbery and trees to the storm.
Our back yard had to be nearly cleared to allow a new fence to be installed. I’ll admit it needed cutting back, but I am not happy with the “new” look. I know wildlife liked my little overgrown haven, and I liked seeing them.
A call to Maxine Hunter, Master Gardener coordinator at the Flagler County Extension Service, revealed interesting facts, and one disappointing one. My little frog is actually a Cuban frog, an invasive species that is found throughout our area.
“Small mammals and birds were the most affected,” Hunter said. “Nests were blown onto the ground.”
Many of these were squirrel nests, and while the squirrel population will not be noticeably affected, many good hearted folks are taking the babies to rehabilitation groups for care, and the facilities are filled to capacity.
When you look out your window to a once densely wooded area, thinned after the storm, you may see critters looking back.
“Don’t be surprised if you see wildlife once the brush is cleared,” Hunter said. “They were probably always there, just not as visible.”
In other words – they lost their homes too.
Landscape classes at the extension service often recommend having a section of thick brush or wood pile for the wildlife. Now would be a good time to offer a little extra shelter and water. It is important to tip bird baths and refill every few days, to discourage mosquitoes.
Driving up Colbert last week I spotted a turtle crossing the road. Not unusual, except this appeared to be a water turtle.
“Fresh water turtles (not the sea turtles on the beach) are out more because their ponds filled with salt water from the storm. Don’t be surprised if you see them out, and please don’t move them,” Hunter said.
We have all moved turtles out of traffic, but in this case, the turtle was making his way just fine so I let him finish his trip on his own.
“Don’t touch the wildlife,” Hunter recommends. It can be dangerous. If you see a large bird nest down, call Florida Fish and Wildlife.”
Those with questions can call Hunter at the Flagler County Extension Service, 437-7464 or Florida Fish and Wildlife regional office in Ocala at 352-732-1225.
FHS was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its mission of sheltering and nurturing animals, and being a community resource and advocate for all animals.
The Petco Foundation investment helped to replace, and build, 24 new cages for two cat rooms at the humane society. The older cages were given to one of the Palm Coast adoption partners.
“The new cages are extremely easy to clean and are much larger and deeper,” said Lisa Mello, humane society cattery worker. “There is more room for the cats and kittens to play and they are extremely easy to work with.”
