UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
When you ask most people what the largest predator is in Florida, they usually think of sharks. But Florida has Lions and Bears (sorry, no Tigers), as well as Coyotes.
Florida Black Bear
Though rarely seen, we do have black bears in Florida. The most important thing you can remember to coexist is "DO NOT FEED THE BEARS". Not only is it dangerous to condition a bear to associate humans with food, it's also against the law. The following links will give you more information on living with the endangered black bear in Florida.
- FWC Living With Bears Page
- Living with Bears PDF
- Living in Bear Country PDF
- Bears in Florida PDF
- A FAQ Sheet on the Florida Black Bear (University of Florida)
Florida Panther
It is our state animal and is it terribly endangered. There are less than 100 of these beautiful cats left in Florida. Their biggest enemy is the automobile. The following links will offer more information on the Florida Panther and what you can do to help this species survive.
- FWC Living with Panthers Page
- Panther.net
- Panther Safety Tips PDF
- Did I See a Panther or a Bobcat? PDF
Coyote
The Coyote is a relatively recent resident of Florida. They began showing up in Florida in the 1960's and have slowly drifted south. With very few natural enemies, their population has flourished. As urban development closes in on their territory, the coyote is becoming a common sight in suburbia. The links below will give you more information on Coyotes.
The Florida Bobcat
The bobcat is often mistaken for a panther, though it is much smaller in size and has a pattern to its tawny coat. Follow the links below for more information on Bobcats in Florida.
More Information on Predators
The links below will give you more information on predators in Florida:
- Large Predators of Florida PDF
- Florida's Large Predators (flash presentation)
- University of Florida Large Carnivore Section
- Wildlife Ecology and Education at University of FL
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