Delray Beach Wildlife | 5 Venomous and Predatory Animals In Delray Beach

For many new residents moving to Delray Beach, the swirl of talk about our many examples of prehistoric and invasive wildlife could be enough to stoke hesitation in some. Worry not! Though these 5 animals can be dangerous, encounters are rare, and injuries are even rarer. Much like anywhere else in the world, a supermajority of animals no matter how accustomed to humanity they are will avoid people and flee from human calamity. For your sake, the Delray Beach Real Estate blog is here to help! Let this be an enjoyable piece, and not a warning, nor a reason to fear our gorgeous local Delray Beach wildlife, but here are 5 venomous and predatory animals found in Delray Beach!

BULL SHARKS 

When Sharks are looked at in terms of "danger," a few factors are taken into account: willingness to attack, frequency of incidents proximity to humans, and overall biological capabilities. For this reason, many shark experts regale the Bull Shark as the most dangerous in the world. Not for its size nor its strength, but for its ability to swim in extremely shallow waters, brackish conditions, and overall aggression. Before calling off the movers, it's important to note that the last fatal shark attack anywhere in Florida was in 2010, and the likelihood of even a violent bull shark encounter is extremely low. Of course, it's important to swim smart and exercise special caution when open water diving, spearfishing, or surfcasting. 

MOSQUITOS 

There's good news and bad news to be had with our least favorite uninvited guests. The good news is: they're tiny, don't bear teeth, fangs, or venom. They're not all invasive and can be repelled with some firm countermeasures. The bad: these are the only animals on our list you're guaranteed to encounter. We have several native and invasive species of mosquito. All are obnoxious, some are worse than others, but there is plenty you can do to resist the unwelcome encroachment of these tiny, yet potent pests.

EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKES 

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are the largest venomous snake in North America. Native to much of the Southeastern United States encounters with humans are exceedingly rare, with bites even rarer. Rattlesnakes of all kinds can be territorial, but unlikely to exhibit aggression, using their namesake rattle to ward off potential threats before striking.

FERAL HOGS 

Feral Hogs, also known as Spanish Pigs, are one of the earliest known invasive species in Florida. Brought by their namesake Spanish settlers as early as the first half of the 16th century. While incredibly rare to see anywhere but backwoods trails and dry land across the deeper forested regions of the state, these feral hogs aren't a stranger to outdoorsmen, hunters, and hikers courageous enough to brave the often stifling humidity and mosquito presence that hang thick in the air across South Florida. Many locals will venture to the Everglades to hunt Spanish pigs, often following their track via the deep, disheveled earth that is evidentiary of pig activity. Both males and females have tusks which serve as their defense mechanism and primary foraging tool while they dig deep for roots and tubers, 

LIONFISH 

Aside from Delray Beach's new fine seafood restaurant, Lionfish also invade our vicinity via our coastal waters along reefs and rocky outcroppings offshore. Often seen as popular prize fish for aquarium aficionados, this gorgeous, remarkable, and venomous fish is also edible, and far less dangerous than other spiny venomous fish from around the world. Despite many examples of spiny venomous fish in coastal waters worldwide, fish of this variety are rare to the West Caribbean and U.S. Atlantic waters. While rare, if ever fatal, lionfish stings can be extremely painful and could put an allergic victim into anaphylaxis. Be wary when driving near these otherwise majestic, slow-moving fish. Lost in their irony, these invasive fish will only sting those who invade their space in turn.

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