Nonnative Animals

 

Cuban Tree Frogs

Cuban treefrogs are an introduced species to Florida that are native to Cuba and other Caribbean islands. It is likely that these frogs were accidentally brought to Florida on cargo ships during the 1920s. Cuban treefrogs are considered an invasive species to Florida, causing harm to the ecosystem and eating native species of frogs. After a rainstorm, these are some of the most common frogs heard throughout the park.

Cuban treefrogs are also considered a nuisance to humans. They like moist areas like bird baths and ponds, and they have been found inside toilets and sink drains. Cuban treefrogs grow very large and can even cause power outages due to short-circuiting. These frogs are covered in a slime that can be irritating to humans if their mucus gets into your eyes or mouth.

Cuban treefrogs have toepads that expand at the tips to help them climb trees and are much larger than native treefrogs. They can exceed 6 inches in length, have large eyes, and have warty skin with wavy or blotchy patterns on their back. Their colors can range from green to brown to yellow. It may be difficult to differentiate Cuban treefrogs from their native counterparts, but their size will be the biggest difference to help you identify this species. Native species of treefrog only grow to about 1.5 – 2.5 inches.

Floridians are encouraged to help native wildlife by humanely euthanizing Cuban treefrogs that are found at their house by applying 20% benzocaine (first aid or burn spray) to the back and belly of the frog, sealing the frog in a plastic bag, and placing it in the freezer overnight prior to disposing of the frog.

 

Coyotes

Coyotes are native to relatively open country in the western United States, Mexico, and southern parts of Canada, but they have made swift population expansions throughout most of North America in the past century. Coyotes can now be found in every county in Florida with the first coyotes spotted around the 1960s. The expansion of coyotes has been linked directly to the removal of wolves and mountain lions from the east coast. This allowed coyotes to expand into territory that was previously occupied by these top apex predators. As well, coyotes expanded east from the plains once forests were cleared by logging for agriculture and development.

These opportunistic predators have adapted to human-dominated environments like cities and neighborhoods. They scavenge for their food and will consume a variety of animals from reptiles to deer (including mice and bird chicks), eggs, grasses, and fruit. While attacks on humans are very rare, they have been known to attack pets and livestock.

As mentioned earlier, coyotes are very good at adapting to new environments! Some locals may mention that the coyotes they have seen in Florida are bigger than those seen out west. This is due to crossbreeding with wolves and domestic dogs. You can read more about the differences between western and eastern coyotes here: NETN Species Spotlight

Coyotes have become established throughout Florida, which can have negative impacts on native wildlife species. Coyotes have been documented eating shorebird and sea turtle eggs. With a nesting colony of vulnerable least terns and nesting sea turtles throughout the summer months, these predators can have detrimental impacts on our populations of native species.

If you see a coyote near your house, there are a few methods to deter coyotes:

· Startle the coyote with loud noises and by waving your arms

· Teach children about the dangers of coyotes and how to react if one is spotted

· Keep your pets on a leash and supervise them

· Install motion sprinklers or lights

· Secure your garbage cans