Florida backyards are full of surprises, from tiny critters to larger, unexpected visitors. I’ve spotted a few myself and realized how easy it is to miss them.
Knowing which animals might be around helps you plan for safety and enjoyment. Once you start looking closely, your backyard adventures get a whole lot more exciting.
1. American Alligators
Spotting a gator sunbathing near your pool might sound like a scene from a movie, but it happens more often than you’d think in Florida. Alligators love freshwater and often wander into yards with ponds or canals nearby. They’re usually shy and prefer to avoid people.
If you see one, keep your distance and never feed it. Florida wildlife officials can safely relocate gators that pose a threat. Remember, these ancient reptiles have been around for millions of years and deserve our respect.
2. Wild Boars
With tusks and a tough attitude, wild boars might seem intimidating when they show up in your yard. These animals root through soil looking for food, which can leave your lawn looking like a battlefield. Florida has a large population of feral hogs that roam freely.
They’re most active at dawn and dusk, so keep an eye out during those times. Never approach them, as they can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Contact local wildlife services if they become regular visitors to your property.
3. Bobcats
Bobcats are elusive hunters that rarely let humans see them, but they do roam Florida neighborhoods looking for rabbits and rodents. Spotting one is actually pretty special since they’re so secretive. Their spotted coats help them blend into the shadows perfectly.
Most Florida residents never realize bobcats are nearby until they catch a glimpse of one at night. They’re not dangerous to people but might hunt small pets left outside. Bringing your cats and small dogs indoors after dark is a smart precaution.
4. Armadillos
Looking like tiny armored tanks, armadillos dig up yards across Florida while searching for insects and grubs. Their strong claws create small holes and tunnels that can frustrate homeowners trying to maintain a perfect lawn. Despite their prehistoric appearance, they’re actually quite harmless.
Armadillos have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell. They’re most active at night, so you might hear them shuffling around after sunset. Fun fact: armadillos always give birth to identical quadruplets in Florida!
5. Black Racers
Black racers are fast-moving snakes that zip through Florida yards hunting lizards and insects. Don’t panic if you see one—they’re completely harmless to humans and actually help control pest populations. Their sleek black bodies can move incredibly quickly when startled.
Unlike venomous snakes, black racers have a slender build and smooth scales. They’re active during the day, especially in warm weather. Florida residents often find them sunbathing on driveways or hunting in garden beds, making them frequent backyard visitors.
6. Opossums
North America’s only marsupial, the opossum, waddles through Florida backyards nightly searching for food. Their rat-like tails and beady eyes might seem creepy, but they’re actually beneficial visitors. Opossums eat thousands of ticks each season, helping reduce Lyme disease risk.
When threatened, they famously play dead, which is where the phrase “playing possum” comes from. They’re immune to most snake venom and rarely carry rabies. Florida homeowners should appreciate these misunderstood creatures for their pest-control services.
7. Eastern Screech Owls
Small but mighty, eastern screech owls hide in plain sight throughout Florida neighborhoods. Their camouflage is so effective that you could walk right past one without noticing. Despite their name, they don’t actually screech but instead make a haunting trill sound.
These owls nest in tree cavities and hunt insects, small rodents, and even other birds at night. Installing a nest box might attract a pair to your Florida yard. Watching them raise their fluffy owlets is an incredible experience for any nature lover.
8. Iguanas
Originally from Central and South America, green iguanas have made themselves at home in southern Florida. These large lizards love basking in the sun and munching on plants, which can wreak havoc on gardens. Some grow over five feet long, making them quite impressive to encounter.
Florida’s cold snaps can cause iguanas to become stunned and fall from trees—locals call them “frozen iguanas.” They’re not native, so their population is considered invasive. Despite their dragon-like appearance, they’re herbivores and generally avoid confrontation.
9. Raccoons
With their bandit masks and nimble paws, raccoons are notorious for getting into mischief around Florida homes. They’re incredibly intelligent and can open latches, unscrew jars, and remember solutions to problems for years. Trash cans are their favorite targets during nighttime raids.
Raccoons are excellent climbers and swimmers, making few areas off-limits to them. Florida’s mild winters mean they stay active year-round unlike their northern cousins. Keep food sources secured and chimney caps installed to discourage these clever critters from moving in.
10. Gopher Tortoises
Ancient and endearing, gopher tortoises dig extensive burrows that can be ten feet deep and forty feet long across Florida yards. Their burrows provide homes for over 350 other species, earning them the title of “keystone species.” They’re protected by law, so harming them is illegal.
Gopher tortoises munch on grasses and low-growing plants throughout the day. If you find one in your Florida yard, consider yourself lucky—their populations have declined significantly. Never fill in their burrows or relocate them without proper permits from wildlife authorities.
11. Flying Squirrels
Most Florida residents have no idea flying squirrels live in their neighborhoods because these nocturnal acrobats only come out after dark. They don’t actually fly but glide using special membranes between their legs, sailing up to 150 feet between trees. Their huge eyes help them navigate in darkness.
Flying squirrels nest in tree cavities and attics if they can find a way inside. They’re much smaller and quieter than regular squirrels. Watching one glide silently through a Florida backyard at night is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
12. Coral Snakes
Beautifully colored but highly venomous, coral snakes occasionally show up in Florida backyards, though they’re quite shy and rarely seen. Their red, yellow, and black bands are nature’s warning sign—remember the rhyme: “Red touches yellow, kills a fellow.” They spend most of their time underground or hidden.
Coral snakes have small mouths and rarely bite humans unless handled or stepped on. They feed primarily on other snakes and lizards throughout Florida. If you encounter one, simply back away slowly and call wildlife professionals for safe removal.