AAAC Wildlife Removal of Treasure Coast

One of the questions people ask most about raccoons, especially in those areas where raccoons aren't endemic, is "What do raccoons look like?" Well, that's a pretty good question, since there are so many different types of raccoons out there! Raccoons are known to live 16 years in the captivity, and only 2-3 years in the wild. They may differ in size, fur color, and markings, but they all have certain things in common. So, let's take a look at some of the different features that you might find in a typical raccoon.  So, What Exactly Do Raccoons Look Like? Raccoons are medium-sized animals that are usually around two to three feet long. They have bushy ringed tails and furry bodies that are usually grayish-brown in color. One of the most distinctive features of raccoons is their black "mask" of fur around their eyes. In fact, they're one of the few animals that can climb down a tree head first! They are known for their sharp claws ...

Raccoons are one of the most common animals in North America. They are found in almost every state and can be seen in both rural and urban areas. They are so common that many people do not give them a second thought. But have you ever wondered where these creatures came from? Where Did Raccoons Come From? The procyonid family, to which raccoons belong, first originated in Europe about 25 million years ago. Over the millennia, these early raccoons slowly made their way across the Bering land bridge into Central or South America. From there, ancestors of the common raccoon spread to North America where they began to evolve into the creatures we know today. The genetic diversity among raccoons found in North America today is thought to be the result of this long and complicated history. Some procyonids like the crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) stayed on the tropical side of the continent while others moved further north into temperate regions. Where Di...

Gophers are small burrowing animals found in North and Central America. They are often considered pests because they tunnel through yards and damage crops. These wild animals come out at night to eat your plants and dig holes in your yard. Gophers are real nuisance animals. But do these little creatures carry disease? Do Gophers Spread Disease? The answer is yes, gophers can carry a number of diseases that can be passed on to humans and other animals. They spread rabies, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and many viral-based infectious diseases. Most of the diseases are treatable, but some can be deadly. So it's important to be aware of the risks if you have a gopher problem on your property. While gophers themselves may not show any symptoms of serious illness, they can still pass them on to humans and other animals through their urine and feces. So if you come in contact with a gopher, it's important to wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Diseases T...

Foxes are a member of the canidae family, which includes wolves, jackals, and dogs. They are common in woodlands, as well as rural and urban areas, and are relatively small compared to their canine cousins. Most members of the canidae family are active at night, but what about foxes? Are these little creatures nocturnal? Are Foxes Nocturnal? The simple answer is: yes, foxes are nocturnal animals. This means that they are most active at night and sleep during the day. However, foxes are not purely nocturnal animals and can also be active during the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. This is because foxes are crepuscular animals, which means that they are most active at dawn and dusk. So, while foxes are technically nocturnal animals, they are not entirely active at night and can also be seen during the day. Advantages Of Being Nocturnal There are a few advantages to being nocturnal, particularly for a wild animal. For one,...

Woodpeckers are some of the most interesting birds in the world. Not only are they known for their distinctive “woodpecker” sound, but they are also known for their habit of making holes into trees. This pecking or drumming can leave behind some pretty noticeable holes in the tree bark. So, what does that hole look like and how do we know if a woodpecker made it? Woodpecker Holes A hole made by a woodpecker is usually oval or round in shape. It is also usually quite small, only about an inch or so in diameter. The hole will be smooth around the edges and will often have wood shavings or chips near it. The depth of the hole will depend on how deep the woodpecker was pecking. Some woodpeckers will only peck the surface of the tree, while others will peck all the way through to the wood beneath the bark. A pileated woodpecker, for example, will make a hole that is about 4 to 5 inches deep, while a red-bellied woodpecker will only make a shallow hole. Pileated woodp...

Anne and Rick Arndt of The Acreage , Florida is still in shock over a deadly confrontation with a rattlesnake that killed their two large dogs. The rattlesnake was four and a half feet long and was coil in the yard when the dogs spotted it. Buster, a 105-pound yellow lab, died almost instantly. Rick Arndt, Anne's husband, ran up with a shovel but the snake was so aggressive – striking repeatedly from its coiled position – that Rick got into his truck and ran over it several times. Then as the snake slithered away, he used a shovel to kill it.  They rushed Mr. Wiggles, the other dog, to the vet but they were unable to save him.  The couple was devastated. The vet told them he’d seen an increase in rattlesnake bites – likely due to rains and high waters causing them to seek drier ground. Anne warned others about the danger after her two dogs were killed by a rattlesnake in her front yard.  Rattlesnakes in Urban Areas When most people think of snakes...

A Fellsmere woman says she had a frightening encounter with two venomous reptiles while walking her dogs this week. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was walking her dogs near her home when she saw the snakes in the grass. She said she managed to keep her dogs away from the snakes, but she was shaken by the encounter. "I've never seen anything like it," she said. "It was really scary." Now, experts are warning that more could be seen as summer approaches. When a human is bitten by a rattlesnake, they have hours before fatal injuries occur. However, when a pet is bitten by a rattlesnake, they have only minutes before fatal injuries occur. This is because the venom from a rattlesnake is much more potent for animals than it is for humans. As such, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or your pet has been bitten by a rattlesnake. The snake is common all along the Treasure Coast , mostly found in the brush, but t...

In Wellington , Florida , a man was bitten by a raccoon in two separate attacks, and his dogs were also bitten in one of the incidents. The raccoon had rabies, and the man had to get rabies shots as a result. Although this may seem like an alarming trend, Animal Care and Control stated that there has been no uptick in raccoon attacks in Palm Beach County . Raccoons typically attack for one of two reasons: They feel trapped or they are protecting their young. Development forces wild animals, such as raccoons, into populated neighborhoods where they are more likely to cross paths with humans. They are also drawn to populated areas in search of food. Capt. Dave Walesky, operations manager for Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control , urged residents not to leave food outdoors and to clean up and secure garbage cans. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also recommends cutting any tree branches that touch rooflines. Raccoons use them to enter attics. And, Walesk...

PORT ST. LUCIE , Florida . — A large snake has been spotted near a neighborhood in Port St. Lucie. Sgt. John Holman of the Port St. Lucie Police Department arrived on the scene and found a dead cat in an empty lot. He also spotted an approximately 12-foot, 120-pound Burmese python. Holman said it's likely the python has been feasting on neighborhood cats, and he advises residents to keep a close eye on their pets. "It's not exactly the kind of thing you see every day," Holman said. After spotting the python, he wisely decided to call for backup. Keel, who has lived in the area for about 10 years, said she's seen the snake a few times before. "I'm not too surprised because it's been here before," Keel said. "I've seen it cross the street. It's big." Keel wonders what happened to the animals in her neighborhood. She has always enjoyed watching the little critters scamper around, but in the past few weeks, ...

A raccoon that was found at Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach has tested positive for rabies, Martin County officials said. As a result, residents and visitors are being urged to take extra precautions and avoid contact with wildlife. A dog that came in contact with a raccoon has been treated for rabies. The animal had previously been vaccinated for the disease and is now being treated with a booster shot. No people were exposed to the raccoon, according to a report from the Florida Department of Health in Martin County. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be treated with immunization. If a person is bitten by an animal that has rabies, they must go through a series of shots to prevent them from getting the disease. Rabies is a serious disease and can be deadly if not treated in time. Precautions should include: It's important not to attract wild animals by leaving garbage cans open or littering. Doing so can potentially lead to dangerous situations for both ...

Multiple people were injured after a squirrel attacked them at a retirement community in Deltona , Florida . The squirrel got into the building and was in the activity room, jumping on people, biting them, and scratching them. At least three people were bitten. An ambulance arrived to treat those who were injured. According to WeshTV , The people hurt were "doing well" after a few days. It is not specified whether the squirrel was captured. Squirrels Squirrels are a type of rodent that is found throughout North America. They have a bushy tail and are usually gray or brown in color. Squirrels live in trees and eat nuts, acorns, and other seeds. They are also known for being very playful, and often chase each other around in trees. Squirrels can be a nuisance to homeowners, as they can steal food from gardens and birdfeeders, but they also play an important role in the ecosystems of forests. There are two main types of squirrels- tree squirrels and g...