Wildlife sightings are increasing as we experience the changing seasons. Cold fronts are becoming less frequent and less severe as the shift to southwest Florida’s “spring” is marked by increasing sunlight, temperatures, and wildlife activity. 

“It’s evident from either driving or walking around the island that more species, especially terrestrial species, are out and about,” said Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz. “The unusual and out-of-season rains, in addition to the increased temperatures we’ve had over the last month, have really acted as a catalyst for this spring activity.”

Vegetation is coming out of its winter dormancy as gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus palustris) take advantage of all the new plant growth sprouting from the ground in order to maximize their nutrition before producing eggs or carrying embryos.

The nutritional content of freshly sprouted plants is usually at its peak shortly after it breaks the surface of the ground, when the emerged plant is bright lime green.

SCCF staff have already noticed a lot of activity with southern black racer snakes (Coluber constrictor priapus) while out in the field. This species is on the lookout for mates and is often seen periscoping, raising the front of its body to see over barriers.

They and eastern coachwhip snakes (Masticophis flagellum) have keen eyesight and do this to search for prey and mates. If you are lucky — and a nature lover — perhaps you will witness a pair chasing each other around in their premating ritual, as we have already seen recently.

Be mindful while driving

With the increased activity comes an increase in road mortality as wildlife crosses roads more frequently, which unfortunately coincides with the busiest time on the island for tourism and traffic.

“Please be observant of wildlife crossing roads while driving, especially the smaller species,” adds Lechowicz.

Additional wildlife signs have been added around the island by the City of Sanibel to warn people to slow down and watch for wildlife crossing roads.

An unfortunate example was the sighting of a Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), which hadn’t been verified since Hurricane Ian. It was verified this week on Sanibel Captiva Road after being hit by a car.

Thanks for being mindful when driving on our sanctuary islands!

Get out and explore wildlife activity on one of our public trails>>>