Wildlife at Home

For information on specific wildlife contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Backyard Wildlife

Jacksonville Beach is home to many species of wildlife. Our surrounding habitat from the ocean to the salt marsh makes for a thriving wild environment. Residents have reported right whales, dolphins, sharks, bald eagles, osprey, alligators, and otters among the many sightings in our city.

The wildlife living in Jacksonville Beach is protected by city, state, and federal laws. It is against the law to capture, kill or remove any wildlife even if it resides on your property. These laws prevent the Animal Control Officer (ACO) from trapping and removing any of our wild neighbors.

If you need assistance with an animal in your home or bees contact a licensed trapper. A trapper will know the law and have the equipment to relocate any wildlife humanly.

Bird Sanctuary

The City of Jacksonville Beach is a bird sanctuary offering a unique habitat to hundreds of species. Visitors can view Wood Storks, Darters, and Loons among the saltmarsh, Royal Terns running along the sands, and Pelicans flying above the beach. Residents enjoy up-close backyard visits from Ospreys, Bald Eagles, Woodpeckers and Flycatchers.

All of our feathered neighbors are protected under the city ordinances from harm. It is unlawful to trap, hunt or attempt to molest in any manner any bird or wildfowl or to rob nests. To respect the natural progress of urban wildlife Animal Control cannot trap, contain or pick up injured birds within our city.

Farm Animals

Rules pertaining to farm animals, noisy animals, and livestock can found in the City's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5, Article I. Before you bring home your new pet, contact the City's Animal Control Officer.

Horses on the Beach

Horses are not permitted on the beach in Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, or Atlantic Beach.

Tips for Living with Wildlife

Here are a few ways that you can deal with the urban wildlife in your backyard:

  • Don't feed the urban wildlife. Animals quickly adapt to humans and become reliant on our hospitality. Feeding will encourage unintended behaviors.
  • Make garbage inaccessible. Cover trash cans securely and consider placing your waste at the curb the morning of collections rather than the night before.
  • To keep wildlife from becoming your next housemate cap chimneys, repair loose shingles, and check all vents twice a year.
  • To help keep the wildlife from making a home in your yard clear dense brush and weeds from around your property.
  • Pick fruit and vegetables as soon as it ripens and quickly dispose of fruit that has fallen to the ground. This will discourage foraging neighbors.