Possible Threat of Stinging Ants to Captive Wildlife at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Florida

Several species of stinging ants are known to attack vertebrates. In March and July 2018, I conducted ant surveys using tuna baits at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS), in Jupiter, Florida, to assess possible threats to captive animals posed by such ants. BWS rehabilitates native Florida vertebrates that are injured or orphaned and houses others that cannot be released back into the wild. Of the 13 ant species found, two may pose a threat to the animals at BWS: the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) and the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). W. auropunctata, known for stinging the eyes of vertebrates, was the most prevalent species, found at 40% of the baits. S. invicta, known for its powerful sting, occurred at 7% baits. Facilities that house animals outdoors, such as zoos and wildlife rehab centers, should take care to ensure the animals are kept safe from possible attack by ants.