Page 4 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens- July '24

Page 4, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Northern Notes

Alligators And Rattlesnakes eight to 10 miles before passing the seeds through their system.
And Their Importance In The Eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a native snake in decline
in much of its native range and could soon see federal protections
Preserves under the Endangered Species Act. They pose little threat to
humans as they are typically not aggressive unless threatened
By Katie Roundtree, or in danger.
Director of Finance and As conservationists, we know all species are connected and
Administration, Northern equally valuable to a healthy ecosystem. Our job is to preserve
Palm Beach County as many species as possible and develop a sense of shared
Improvement District responsibility to keep this planet at least the same, if not better
Northern’s preserve areas than it was left to us.
are designed to preserve and NPDES tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet waste is
conserve native ecosystems, washed into lakes or canals the waste decays, using up oxygen
and the American alligator Like alligators, snakes, including rattlesnakes, are essential and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen levels and
and the Eastern diamondback to our ecosystem. They help control small mammal populations ammonia combined with warm temperatures can kill fish. Pet
rattlesnake are essential such as mice, rats and rabbits. Rattlesnakes can also help waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae
members of that community. disperse seeds because their digestive systems don’t have the growth. Overly fertile water becomes cloudy and green –
The American alligator, North America’s largest reptile, enzymes to break down certain foods. Seeds can germinate unattractive for boating and fishing. Perhaps most importantly,
has no natural predators except humans. This species has while still in their digestive system. Rattlesnakes may travel pet waste carries diseases which make water unsafe.
been around for about 200 million years and has adapted to
numerous changes in the Earth’s environmental conditions.
Their existence was threatened when hunters began killing
large numbers of these animals for their exotic meat and
their supple belly skin, used to make shoes, belts and
pocketbooks. Other people considered alligators to be useless
and dangerous and hunted them for sport or out of hatred.
Between 1950 and 1960, hunters wiped out 90 percent of
the alligators in Louisiana, and by the 1960s, the alligator
population in the Florida Everglades was also near extinction.

Is it time for

an informed,

Alligators are not just members of their ecosystems
but keystone species that play a unique and crucial role. A
keystone species is an organism that helps define an entire
ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem
would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.
Alligators, with their deep depressions, or gator holes, that second opinion?
collect fresh water during dry spells, serve as refuges for
aquatic life, and supply fresh water and food for many
animals when water is scarce, are a prime example of this.
Their large nesting mounds provide nesting and feeding sites
for herons and egrets. Alligators also eat large numbers of Burns Wealth Management Group
gar (a predatory fish) and thus help maintain populations of
game fish such as bass and bream. They also prey on invasive
species, helping the native species survive. As alligators
move from gator holes to nesting mounds, they help keep
areas of open water free of invading vegetation. Without
these ecosystem services, freshwater ponds and shrubs and
trees would fill in coastal wetlands in the alligator’s habitat, Robert Burns
and dozens of species would disappear. CFP , ChFC , CPWA ®
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Contrary to popular belief, alligators are less aggressive
than many other species of crocodilians. They have a Managing Director
surprisingly well-developed ability to remember things like Wealth Partner, Portfolio Manager
sources of food. If they see movement in the water, they 3825 PGA Blvd, Floor 9,
will approach the source simply because they are curious. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
They pose little threat to humans as they are typically not 561.694.5666
aggressive unless they feel threatened or are in danger.
It’s important to respect their space and understand their robert.m.burns@jpmorgan.com
behavior. This is why it is crucial for residents to stay high jpmorgan.com/burnswm
up on the banks or sidewalks, be aware of their surroundings,
teach children to stay clear of the lakes and keep all dogs
on a leash, promoting a harmonious coexistence with these
fascinating creatures.

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