Every couple of days, a Florida Gray Fox visits Yancy Bernal. The creature likes to hang out on the back patio of the family’s home in Lake Martha.
“I literally let him/her be,” Bernal said.
That’s good advice to follow and is the same guidance that Zoo Miami Goodwill Ambassador Ron Magill shared with an audience that filled Miami Lakes Town Hall on Jan. 21.
The Neighborhood Improvement Committee presented the wildlife expert who brought vivid photographs and entertaining stories.
“We’re very lucky to live where we live,” Magill said. “What I’m seeing now a lot, especially in the media, is what I call the fear factor. There is nothing to be afraid of.”
Magill, who is also the zoo’s Communications Director, spoke for about an hour about the different wildlife that residents may encounter in South Florida, both native and non-native species.
He is a renowned photographer and shared images he has captured and stories of animals he has seen in their habitats, including the elusive and endangered Florida Panther.
Magill visited town at the same time a coyote has appeared on the west side of Miami Lakes and near the Par 3 golf course, east of the Palmetto Expressway.
Residents have posted photos of coyote sightings on Facebook.
“They will not come after you, folks,” Magill said.
Coyotes are active from sunset to sunrise and will generally avoid people, according to Magill.
He said to keep them away from your home, don’t leave out pet food; pay attention when walking dogs; don’t let cats roam freely and bring pets inside after dark.
“By feeding them, you’re not doing them any favors,” Magill said. “Feeding wild animals is the worst thing you can do.”
Magill showed photos of the fascinating birds; reptiles; fish and mammals that can be spotted in South Florida.
He told residents they could discern a falcon from a hawk by its body shape and size.
An alligator’s length could be found by estimating the distance from the tip of the reptile’s snout to its eyes; an eight-inch measurement would mean the ‘gator was eight feet long.
As for the town’s roaming coyote, residents should leave it alone.
If the animal appears to be hurt or in distress, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 561-625-5122.
To learn more about coyotes visit Bit.Ly/4sXz8Ci.