Urban Coyotes
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC), January through March is breeding season for coyotes and they are more active and territorial during this time. While coyotes are generally not aggressive toward humans, they can pose a threat to small pets. To ensure safety, please take the following precautions when walking outside:
- Keep pets close and on a leash shorter than six feet.
- Coyotes are most active between dusk and dawn, so exercise extra caution during these hours, although daytime sightings can also occur.
- Be particularly vigilant when walking pets in wooded areas or near dense foliage.
Access additional information below.
Flora & Fauna Lists
Winter Park’s lakes and wetlands contain a rich diversity of plants and animals. The following lists are periodically updated as new information is received:
Birds & Birding
Winter Park’s abundance of lakes makes it an ideal place to view waterfowl. Our sub-tropical climate also makes the area a winter destination for many migratory species and many more migrants pass through on the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways on their way to their Caribbean and South American wintering grounds. All of the lakes in Winter Park are good places to spot waterfowl, wading birds and other species that associate with water, but for the best opportunities for seeing a wide diversity of species, check out Mead Botanical Garden at 1500 S. Denning Dr., and the Howell Branch Preserve Park at 1205 Howell Branch Road. Located on stretches of Howell Branch Creek, both properties contain wetland and upland habitats.
Access a list of bird species that have been observed in the park maintained by the Friends of Mead Garden.
Snakes & Alligators
Alligators and other potentially dangerous wildlife do occur in Winter Park’s lakes and natural areas.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website provides helpful information on these organisms and how to stay safe while using our waterways and natural areas.
Please access additional information below.
Exotic Animals
Non-native organisms can wreak havoc on native ecosystems and wildlife populations. Never release pets, however harmless they may seem, into the wild. The links below provide information on some problem species that occur in central Florida.
Please access additional information below.