LARGE PREDATORS
When you ask most people what the largest predator is in Florida, they usually think of alligators or sharks. But Florida also has big cats, bears, and coyotes. Learn more about these predators in the sections on this page.
You also can find more information on large predators in Florida at:
- Florida's Large Carnivores
- UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Interpreting the Physical evidence of predation on Domestic Livestock
Florida Black Bear
Though rarely seen, we do have black bears in Florida. The most important thing you can remember to coexist is DO NOT FEED THE BEARS. Not only is it dangerous to condition a bear to associate humans with food, it's also against the law. The following links will give you more information on living with the endangered black bear in Florida.
- Living with the Florida Black Bear: A Homeowner's Guide to Nuisance Bear Prevention
- Florida Bears and Beekeeping
- The Florida Black Bear
- Bear FAQs
- Florida Black Bear Curriculum Guide
- Living with Florida Black Bears
- Living in Bear Country Brochure (PDF)
Florida Panther
It is our state animal and is it terribly endangered. There are less than 100 of these beautiful cats left in Florida. Their biggest enemy is the automobile. The following links will offer more information on the Florida Panther and what you can do to help this species survive.
- Did I See a Panther?
- A Guide to Living with Wild Cats
- FloridaPantherNet.org
- Living with Panthers
- Florida Panther: Puma concolor coryi
Coyote
The coyote is a relatively recent resident of Florida. They began showing up in Florida in the 1960s and have slowly drifted south. With very few natural enemies, their population has flourished. As urban development closes in on their territory, the coyote is becoming a common sight in suburbia. The links below will give you more information on coyotes.
- The Coyote (Canis latrans): Florida's Newest Predator
- Visual Guide to Interpreting Physical Evidence of Coyote Predation on Domestic Livestock
- Rancher Perceptions of the Coyote in Florida
- Coyote: Canis latrans (FWC)
- Coyote FAQs
Bobcat
The bobcat is often mistaken for a panther, though it is much smaller in size and has a pattern to its tawny coat. Follow the links below for more information on bobcats in Florida.