Wildlife at La-No-Che
Safety Around Animals and in Outdoors at Camp
Welcome to Camp La-No-Che and the Winn-Dixie Scout Reservation. The reservation covers 1480 acres and offer a range of exciting adventures including the opportunity to observe may types of birds, fish and wildlife. Throughout camp you will see numerous animals especially squirrels, raccoons, deer opossums, turkey, eagle or even a black bear will provide lifetime memories. Also, we have many snakes, reptiles and insects that you need to be aware exist here, please study the next page to learn more about these wildlife.
Animals often will be an exciting part of your adventures. Seeing them in their natural habitat is always a pleasure, but it is wise to remember that they are the permanent residents of the back country or camp while you are a visitor. Treat them with respect, give them enough space so they’ll not feel threatened by your presence, and they’ll seldom present a threat to your safety.
When an animal feels frightened, threatened, or trapped, it may fight for its life by attacking, scratching, and biting. In the event you are injured, seek treatment quickly, for a doctor must determine whether rabies treatments will be necessary.
Each of the animals who live and roam throughout the Winn-Dixie Scout Reservation has its own characteristics and pattern of behavior. Occasionally a black bear may wander through camp. Avoidance of bears and most wildlife can be summed up in one word – FOOD. If an animal doesn’t find abundant food, it will move on. Most conflicts between people and wildlife, especially bears are linked to careless handling of food or garbage. Learn to live responsibly with wildlife.
Young wildlife sometimes stray from their parents and appear to be lost or abandoned. In most cases, however, the parents know where the youngster is. Taking in apparently lost or abandoned young usually does more harm than good. Wild animals are best left in the wild. If the animal is obviously sick or injured, notify the camp ranger.
Also, please be aware that Florida has the most lightning strikes in the United States. So, please take shelter quickly when storm approaches. Also, please be aware that we have ticks. Please check daily for ticks and remove any ticks as quickly as possible.
Reptile Safety
Stay away from snakes and respect their space. We have the following snakes that are dangerous: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Dusky Pigmy Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth and the Coral Snake. If you come across a snake, please notify the Camp Ranger.
Alligators
We do have alligator in Lake Norris. However, we respect their space and have not had problems with them. State of Florida law states that feeding Alligators are illegal. Please do not feed Alligators. If you see an Alligator, please respect their space and only observe them. If you have any questions, please ask a camp ranger or the Ecology Area
General Wildlife & Habitat Stewardship
• Hike at designated trails only
• Keep a clean campsite
• Keep food and smellables out of your tent
• At night hang food & smellables in a bear bag at least 12 ft above
• Never approach or follow wild animals
• Do not attempt to take pictures of wild animals
• Avoid aggressive behavior (direct eye contact, following animals)
• Do not feed wild animals
• Don’t mistake a passive animal as a sign of safety
• Never tease or attempt to pick up wildlife
• Leave young animals alone; a protective mother is usually nearby
• Stay away from dead animals and berry patches, important food sources
• Notify camp ranger or camp director of sighting