Charlotte County has diverse wildlife in our area and it is not uncommon for citizens to come across wildlife even in our populated neighborhoods. Animal Control will respond for all injured or sick wildlife while working together with our local wildlife rescues to the best of our ability to ensure sick, injured or orphaned wildlife receive the care needed. Impounded wildlife is taken to Peace River Wildlife Center or Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida.
Peace River Wildlife Center
3400 Ponce De Leon Pkwy
Punta Gorda, FL 33980
Phone: 941.637.3830
Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida
925 N. Jackson Road
Venice, FL 34292
Phone: 941.484.9657
Humane traps may be provided to citizens by this department. Traps are intended for injured, sick, bite cases or animals deemed a public safety threat. Wildlife and domestic animals that our department may utilize a trap for:
- Raccoons
- Opossums
- Skunks
- Domestic cats
- Domestic dogs
Coyotes
Coyotes are not necessarily a safety concern, but can periodically pose a threat to domestic pets, and livestock. The public safety threat can be reduced by keeping your pet on a leash or in a securely confined area while it is outside. Citizens can report issues with these animals to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and/or recruit the services of a private wildlife trapper.
- Florida Wildlife Commission - Coyotes
- University of Florida - Coyotes
- The Humane Society of The United States - What To Do About Coyotes
Alligator
Alligator sightings are not uncommon in Charlotte County. Avoid potentially dangerous encounters with alligators by keeping your distance when you see one. Remember to keep pets on a leash and away from the water. Nuisance alligators are handled by licensed trappers with Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC).
- Florida Wildlife Commission - Living with Alligators
- FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286
Wild Hogs
Wild Hogs are considered non-native to Florida and have potential to damage yards and landscaped areas.
- Florida Wildlife Commission - Hogs
- University of Florida - Wild Hogs in Florida: Ecology and Management
Bobcats
Bobcats can be a familiar sighting in our area and pose little threat. A bobcat's primary food sources include squirrels, rabbits, birds and rats.