As many of us know, significant wildlife exists in and around Reunion West.  Recently several owners have requested the POA to capture and relocate raccoons.  This article explains why neither the POA nor owners can capture wildlife.

The developer of Reunion West granted permanent conservation easement areas within Reunion West to the South Florida Water Management District (“SFWMD”) to protect wildlife and wetlands that existed in the area prior to the development.  SFWMD is a regional governmental agency covering sixteen counties including Osceola County.  As a result, our POA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (“CC&Rs) contain restrictions to protect these easements and wildlife.

Our CC&Rs define wildlife to include gophers, tortoises, alligators, armadillos, fish, snakes, squirrels, raccoons and others.  (See Article X, Section 7).  Our CC&Rs provide the following: “NO OWNERS, RESIDENTS OR THEIR GUESTS SHALL HARASS, HARM, PURSUE, HUNT, SHOOT, WOUND, KILL, TRAP, FEED, CAPTURE OR COLLECT ANY WILDLIFE WITHIN REUNION WEST.”  (Note that the original text in the CCRs is capitalized).

Although our CCRs do not expressly prohibit the POA from capturing wildlife, we believe the purpose of the CCR restriction applies to not only owners, but also to the Reunion West Property Owners Association.  Accordingly, the POA, homeowners, residents, guests and property managers cannot trap wildlife.   

Nevertheless, there are some limitations on the CC&Rs.  For example, if rodents or wildlife are found in your home or inside your backyard fenced area, you should take whatever reasonable precautions you need to protect yourselves, your family, and your guests.  We recommend you contact Osceola County Animal Services at 407-742-8000 or a reputable wildlife removal service.   Another helpful resource on wildlife management is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.   Their website is https://myfwc.com/.

The owner or property manager is responsible for any costs associated with trapping wildlife inside your home or in your fenced backyard.  If you believe wildlife spotted outside your home creates a danger, please also call Osceola County Animal Services to report the wildlife.  

Please link to an article specifically addressing wildlife at Reunion West: Wildlife at Reunion West POA