Humane Wildlife Control in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Humane Wildlife Control Society recommends non-invasive solutions to resolve human-wildlife conflicts. This includes:
Determining if the issue needs to be addressed at all
Opting for preventative measures first
Opting for wildlife exclusion as opposed to trapping
If trapping is the only way to solve the problem do so humanely
The Humane Wildlife Control Society screens candidates prior to recommendation. Our process requires any company we recommend to meet the following criteria:
Is properly licensed in Florida for wildlife control
Carries appropriate business licenses and insurance
Complies with all Florida laws and regulations for wildlife control
Adheres to the humane principles listed above.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida we recommend Humane Wildlife Removal Fort Lauderdale for professional wildlife control services. This is a private company that charges for their services.
Contact Information:
Pest Animal Removal Fort Lauderdale
954-703-5683
If you have any wildlife issues that can be handled by the state government agency for free, the Florida Wildlife Commission can help.
State Contact Information: 888-404-3922
The State Department of Agriculture may also be able to address your wildlife problem for no charge.
USDA Contact Information: (800) 435-7352
Subtropical Urban Wildlife Issues
Fort Lauderdale residents commonly encounter wildlife situations requiring management intervention. Raccoons, opossums, and armadillos frequently access residential properties, particularly during the rainy season when flooding may displace them from natural habitats. Invasive species including iguanas and Burmese pythons present unique challenges, as their populations have expanded significantly throughout South Florida in recent decades.
Waterfront properties may experience issues with wading birds, waterfowl, and alligators. Urban environments throughout the city provide habitat for rodents, bats, and various bird species that may nest on or within structures.
Management Approaches
Fort Lauderdale emphasizes prevention as the primary strategy for wildlife conflict resolution. Securing garbage in wildlife-resistant containers prevents attraction of opportunistic species. Modifying landscapes to reduce wildlife appeal includes selecting native plantings that don’t provide preferred food sources and eliminating artificial water features that attract wildlife.
When prevention proves insufficient, exclusion techniques offer humane solutions. These include sealing entry points to buildings, installing wildlife barriers around property perimeters, and implementing specialized deterrents appropriate for target species. Fort Lauderdale encourages the use of professional wildlife services that employ humane practices rather than lethal control when intervention becomes necessary.
Special Considerations for Fort Lauderdale
The city’s extensive canal system creates unique wildlife management challenges. Waterfront property owners should maintain seawalls and docks to prevent wildlife entry while ensuring compliance with marine engineering standards. Coastal properties must adhere to sea turtle lighting ordinances during nesting season, requiring shields on exterior lighting and use of turtle-friendly fixtures to prevent disorientation of hatchlings.
Hurricane preparedness planning should include wildlife management provisions. Severe weather events frequently displace wildlife into residential areas, requiring residents to anticipate potential encounters during storm recovery periods.
Community Responsibility
Fort Lauderdale residents share responsibility for humane wildlife management. Feeding wildlife, whether intentional or inadvertent, is prohibited under municipal code Section 6-6. Residents observing wildlife in distress should contact authorized wildlife rehabilitation facilities rather than attempting intervention. Reporting invasive species sightings helps authorities monitor population distribution and implement appropriate management strategies.
Enforcement Authority
The enforcement of wildlife regulations within Fort Lauderdale involves coordination between multiple agencies. The FWC maintains primary enforcement authority for state wildlife laws. Broward County Environmental Protection Division addresses certain wildlife issues at the county level. Fort Lauderdale Code Enforcement responds to violations of municipal wildlife ordinances, particularly those related to feeding, harassment, or improper management techniques.
