Wild Florida - Pests, Peacocks, Pythons, Fuzzy and Furry things, Creepy Crawlies, and Things That Go Bump in the Night.

Wild Florida still exists. The Fabulous Florida Keys are not only home to interesting people; it is also a place where many fascinating critters reside as well.

It is not unusual to pass by the hospital in Tavernier or enter the post office in Key Largo and hear the crow of a rooster. Yes, chickens and roosters roam freely in the Keys. Key West is also known for allowing this type of farm animal free reign in the city.

When you travel the “old road” in Islamorada or pass by some of the lush yards in other portions of the Keys, you might see lawn ornaments such as pink flamingoes. Be sure to take a closer look, the other birds you see might be real. Peacocks strut around too making the Fabulous Florida Keys their home.

Pythons and other Florida Keys snakes might be discovered anywhere in Wild Florida. Most people don’t admire or welcome a large python because they can grow to 20 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds. A brute this size could easily devour a medium sized family pet.

Alligator and crocodile crossing signs are occasionally found along US 1 warn visitors to beware. When these reptiles are mating, it is good to be extra cautious with your driving as you are more likely to find them crossing the road in search of a companion.

No-see-ums are pesky little bugs that not only nibble on your skin, they bite. Times to try to protect yourself from being bottom on this food chain are right at dawn and dusk. This is when the no-see-ums are likely to go out for breakfast or their evening meal. Certain areas of the Keys are worse than others and windy days are less of a problem as the breeze seems to chase them away.

In some neighborhoods in the Wild Florida Keys homeless cats take refuge under bridges and in the brush. A few residents feed the felines, bring them to the vet, and eventually adopt them as a nice addition to the family. Most are wild and will shy away from human contact.

Iguanas, small prehistoric dinosaur looking reptiles, roost along the canals and in some of the tropical trees. They range in size from tiny to great big grandfather proportions. They run fast with their legs spread eagle tottering back and forth across lawns and pavement—and yes they can swim. Their droppings might be evident in some places where they are plentiful.

Geckos are found both outdoors and indoors if they can find their way in for a drink. I’ve reached down to pick up my shampoo bottle only to find a small gecko keeping me company in the shower. Basically these small critters are harmless and should be set outside unharmed.

Palmetto bugs, the politically correct term for, “cockroach,” also traverse the Fabulous Florida Keys. They are difficult to exterminate as their shells are like army tanks on their backs. I’ve thrown shoes at them, stepped on them, squished them with a paper towel, and sprayed them with bug spray. They are nearly indestructible, but calling in “Rambo” who is really my husband, often does the trick.

Some Wild Florida species like the Key Largo wood rat, Florida Key deer, and the Florida panther are protected by state and federal laws.