What has been your most interesting run-in with nature (wildlife) (Dunedin: schools, live in)

[sware2cod]

A few years ago in central florida, I was driving down a 2 lane road at dusk.

I was driving along quickly for awhile and was nearly the only car on the road in both directions and then all of a sudden I see a long line of traffic in the opposite direction. Dozens and dozens of cars coming from the opposite direction in a long line and they all had their headlights on.

Then I get close and I see a young cow running in front of them. This cow stayed in the opposite lane as if it knew the rules of the road. It must have been going 10 MPH and had a trail of cars behind it. It's like the cow was leading all the cars somewhere and they were all following it. I didn't know cows could run that fast.

This was in the center of the state where there are lots of cattle ranches. You would see loose cows on occasion, but this one knew the rules of the road.

Another time.. I called 911 to report a loose cow. The 911 dispatcher says, "We already got a call about that, is this the one at road abc at xyz bridge?" Ends up that was a different loose cows 25 miles away. There were 2 loose cows at once.

[thethinktank]

Originally Posted by Sunshinecc

What are Cane Toads?

An invasive species introduced decades ago from Puerto Rico. They spray a toxin that will kill a small dog or a cat in 15 minutes, and could kill larger animals if not treated quickly. If a dog sees a cane toad, which is a little bigger than a balled fist, they tend to instinctively lunge at it. The toad then sprays its toxin into the dog's face and depending on the size of the dog, it can be an almost instantaneous kill.

The state of Florida suggests that if you see one in your yard, you euthanize it. They don't just harm pets, they harm the native frog population outright. They eat smaller native frogs and toads.

[Sunshinecc]

Originally Posted by sware2cod

A few years ago in central florida, I was driving down a 2 lane road at dusk.

I was driving along quickly for awhile and was nearly the only car on the road in both directions and then all of a sudden I see a long line of traffic in the opposite direction. Dozens and dozens of cars coming from the opposite direction in a long line and they all had their headlights on.

Then I get close and I see a young cow running in front of them. This cow stayed in the opposite lane as if it knew the rules of the road. It must have been going 10 MPH and had a trail of cars behind it. It's like the cow was leading all the cars somewhere and they were all following it. I didn't know cows could run that fast.

Now that is a big "awwww" moment!

Originally Posted by thethinktank

An invasive species introduced decades ago from Puerto Rico. They spray a toxin that will kill a small dog or a cat in 15 minutes, and could kill larger animals if not treated quickly. If a dog sees a cane toad, which is a little bigger than a balled fist, they tend to instinctively lunge at it. The toad then sprays its toxin into the dog's face and depending on the size of the dog, it can be an almost instantaneous kill.

The state of Florida suggests that if you see one in your yard, you euthanize it. They don't just harm pets, they harm the native frog population outright. They eat smaller native frogs and toads.

Thanks for the info Thinktank. That's really good to know. I looked up some pictures...they're kinda mean looking...and I like frogs.

These are things we don't have to worry about up north. Most species that would be introduced would not survive the fall/winter. I've been watching shows on rock and bermese pythons. They are beautiful snakes. I understand the need for euthanizing these but it's a shame because it's due to human error/lack of caring about the Florida ecosystem.

[mystpete]

~ I just love the outdoors here in Florida...but, it was your typical summer afternoon, hot & humid with the sun just coming out after one of our afternoon downpours. I was backing out of the garage with the windows rolled down & came alittle too close to the bushes on each side of my drive. I turned my head to see just how close & there was a nice black snake soaking up the summer sun on top of the bush. Not sure who screamed louder, but he was so startled, he made a nose dive right through my open window & landed smack between by legs in the front seat! Being so close to the bush, I couldn't get the driver's door open, so I lifted up just a little to try & put it in park, without driving back through the garage door & leaned over the console in an attempt to crawl out the passenger window. I guess I kind of squished him a bit & he tried his best to take a bite out of my back leg...thank goodness "he bite's like a girl", but finally I propelled myself out the passenger window, head first, landing on the concrete drive. Trying to catch my breath & thinking I was strokin out, not even able to form a complete sentence, tear's rollin' down my legs, I looked around to see if any neighbor's were home to help. Not a neighbor in sight, which may have been a good thing since this would have made a great Youtube moment & I'm saving my 15 minutes of Fame for something alittle flashier. Finally dialed up a friend who came right over & tried to remove the snake from my car & the darn thing darted up under the dash, even tried smoking him out with a mosquito fogger. Left the AC on for 2 hours with a covered heating pad on the floorboard...after holding me/my car hostage after 3 days, I summoned the courage to drive around the block, so with jeans tucked into my cowboy boots & tire iron in hand, I was on a mission. Still can't figure out how the darn thing escaped & so for the next 3 or 4 month's always carried my tire iron in my lap. Oh, I so love the outdoors & the wildlife here in sunny Florida, but someone up there sure has a great since of humor!

[Irishiis49]

Ha...my daughter got chased into the house at 1am by a possum...that'll teach her about breakin curfew...my neighbor trapped it 2 days later...

[dnvrsoul]

Originally Posted by BucFan

You should see them after they get hit and tip over. They're huge. Saw two on the side of US 301 and they had to make a huge dent in the side/bumper of someone's car. They were getting to an epidemic level here two years ago digging up lawns.

Heres a picture of what the ones looked like that came into our subdivision 1-2 yrs ago - our HOA had to hire a trapper to get the outahere. (these weren't the actual ones - these are from Texas).

I didn't know that....thanks!

[tinytrump]

catching a hammerhead shark - seeying barracuda by my feet after a hurricane in shallow waters- 5 ft snake got in the house,,, the worse being stung by the darn sting ray!! ouucchhh

[Ken E]

Originally Posted by Florida Vince

Mine was with the notorious Tampa beach troll. Still afraid to go back there!

I dont blame ya. Thats pretty scary looking.

[Not_liking_FL]

Originally Posted by Florida Vince

Mine was with the notorious Tampa beach troll. Still afraid to go back there!

You should post a warning with a pic like that.

[corvidae]

Have seen numerous snakes... copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlers, even a coral snake. Also some non venomous milk snakes and corn snakes.

Have seen alligators.

I've seen raccoons at Al Lopez park.

I've seen baby and adult barred owls at Hillsborough River State Park.

I've seen cooper's hawks in my neighborhood.