Depending on the type of wildlife issue being addressed, there are two options for wildlife management in Marion County: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Marion County Animal Control.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is a statewide governing agency, overseeing most wildlife issues, with a branch office in Ocala. The FWC has six divisions, focusing on: Fish and wildlife research, hunting and game management, freshwater fishery management, law enforcement, habitat and species conservation, and marine fishery management.

Permits and licenses for residential and commercial hunting and fishing, as well other wildlife-related permits are processed and managed by FWC. The FWC website has valuable information about many species, permits and laws.

Marion County Animal Control

Typically, the wildlife handled by Animal Control will include smaller nuisance animals, such as raccoons, who pose a public health concern. Animal Control will also accept and process forms for complaints related to smaller animals, including incidents of attacks of bites.

For the safety of citizens and staff alike, larger wildlife (coyotes, bears and alligators, for example) are handled by properly trained and equipped individuals, such as private wildlife trappers or FWC staff.

If the wildlife is posing a threat or if it appears injured or sick (which could possibly mean an incident of rabies), please call Animal Control at 352-671-8727 or contact Animal Services online.