🦩 Wildlife
Manatee sightings, gator news, conservation updates, and wildlife encounters from across Florida.
See Manatees From Shore: Florida's Best Free Viewing Sites
No boat required — these boardwalks, observation decks, and state parks put you right above Florida's favorite gentle giants.
ESA Changes Put Florida Manatees and Sea Turtles at Risk
The Trump administration is rewriting the Endangered Species Act in ways scientists say could devastate South Florida's most vulnerable marine life.
Florida Sandhill Cranes: Best Spots, Season & Viewing Rules
Where to find Florida's ancient resident cranes, when nesting peaks, and the FWC rules every visitor must know before getting too close.
Birding Florida's WMAs: Access, Closed Dates & Best Sites
Florida's 6-million-acre WMA system is open to birders — if you know the rules, the closed hunt periods, and where to go.
Sea Hares on Florida Beaches Pose Real Risk to Dogs
The purple ink these sea slugs release as a defense can cause seizures and even death in dogs that lick or eat one.
Where to See Wild Alligators in Florida: Best Sites & Safety Tips
From the Everglades to North Florida prairies, here's exactly where to find gators — and how to do it safely.
Where to See Florida Scrub-Jays: Best Sites & Viewing Tips
Florida's only endemic bird is bold, curious, and easier to find than you'd think — if you know exactly where to look.
Two Orphan River Otters Released After Months of Rehab
The Space Coast nonprofit taught the pair to swim and hunt before setting them free on August 5.
6 Invasive Predators Threatening Florida's Wildlife in 2026
From tegus to lionfish, Florida's native wildlife faces pressure from a growing roster of invasive animals.
Apalachicola Bay Oysters: Progress, Cuts, and $11M in State Funding
The bay once produced 90% of Florida's oysters — now it's slowly coming back, with some tradeoffs.
Florida's Hidden Wildlife Haven Between Tampa and Gainesville
The 10,950-acre Flying Eagle Wildlife Preserve offers free year-round access to trails, boating, fishing, and world-class birding.
Apalachicola Bay Oyster Season Shrinks as Restoration Continues
One reef closes for harvest next season, but $11 million in state funding keeps restoration on track.
Scott and Donalds Push to Fast-Track Wildlife Plan Approvals
A new bill would give federal agencies 180 days to review state wildlife conservation plans — ending delays that can stretch beyond a year.
Two Orphaned Otters Head Back to the Wild After Florida Rehab
The Palm Shores nonprofit raised the pair from infancy, teaching them to swim and catch live fish and blue crabs.
Paynes Prairie: Bison, Wild Horses & Birds Near Gainesville
Florida's only place to see free-roaming bison and wild horses is a short drive from Gainesville — here's how to make the most of it.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Boardwalk, Cost & Best Time to Visit
Everything you need to plan a visit to Southwest Florida's ancient cypress wilderness — admission, hours, seasons, and wildlife.
1,400-Pound Great White Shark Tracked Near Daytona Beach
A massive great white named Breton is defying migration norms by heading south along Florida's coast this summer.
St. Marks Wildlife Refuge Expansion: More to Come
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Shark Valley Tram Tour: Reservations, Cost & Wildlife Tips
Everything you need to know before you board the open-air tram — or saddle up a bike — at Everglades National Park's best wildlife corridor.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Gets a Little Bigger
The popular North Florida refuge is growing, bringing new conservation land and more room to explore.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Grows with New Expansion
The beloved Panhandle refuge is adding land, opening up fresh conservation possibilities for Florida's natural habitats.
Prescribed Burn Set for 170 Acres at Savannas Preserve SP
Smoke may be visible near Port St. Lucie's Savannas Preserve as crews manage 170 acres of mesic flatwoods.
Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Earns Top Workplace Honor
The conservation nonprofit's team culture earned statewide recognition as one of Florida's best places to work.
Florida Sea Turtle Nesting Season: Rules, Best Beaches & Tips
From Brevard County to the Gulf Coast, here's everything beach visitors need to know before sharing the sand with Florida's nesting sea turtles.
Meet Bakari, Animal Kingdom's New Silverback Gorilla
A 21-year-old western lowland gorilla is settling into his new role leading the family troop on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Gopher Tortoise on Your Property? Florida's FWC Permit Guide
Florida's state-threatened gopher tortoise is protected by law — here's exactly what homeowners and developers need to know before breaking ground.
Red Ruffed Lemurs Join North Florida Wildlife Center
A group of red ruffed lemurs has arrived at the North Florida Wildlife Center.
Amber Streetlights Are Helping Gulf Coast Sea Turtles Survive
Duke Energy has converted more than 2,500 coastal lights in Pinellas County to turtle-friendly amber fixtures.
Jefferson County Wildlife Center Adds Lemurs With a Global Mission
Fetsy and Masiaka are raising funds to replant forests in Madagascar with every visitor encounter.
Florida Shorebird Nesting Season: Beach Closures & CWA Rules
What beachgoers and boaters need to know before heading to Florida's coast during nesting season — from February through September.
Pennekamp Aquarium Scores $250K Gift for Coral Education
A Pittsburgh foundation's pledge will fund interactive exhibits at the $52 million Key Largo facility opening in 2028.
Florida Lobster Mini Season Opens With FWC Patrols in Force
The two-day recreational harvest runs through Thursday night, with the regular season following on August 6.
Space Coast Sea Turtles Are Having a Banner Nesting Year
Loggerheads are on pace for one of their highest nesting counts ever recorded on Brevard County beaches.
Debbie Lightsey Nature Park Brings Wildlife to Tallahassee
Tucked into Tallahassee's west side, this local park offers close-up looks at birds, turtles, and native North Florida wildlife.
Boca Raton's New Gopher Tortoise Preserve Opens to the Public
The 11-acre natural area on Hidden Valley Boulevard features walking paths, ADA access, and restored scrub habitat.
Florida Panhandle Dragonfly Faces Steep Habitat Losses by 2070
A new study warns that 35% of suitable habitat for the rare Say's spiketail could be developed within 45 years.
Blacktip Sharks Lingering Longer Near Florida Beaches
Rising water temperatures may be keeping blacktip sharks close to shore for extended stretches.
FAU Researcher Tracks Blacktip Sharks Shifting North Along U.S. Coast
Warmer ocean temps are keeping blacktip sharks near Florida shores longer — and pushing them as far north as Long Island.
Animal Kingdom's New Silverback Gorilla Has Arrived
Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla, is now leading the troop at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Animal Kingdom's Gorilla Troop Has a New Silverback Leader
Bakari, a 21-year-old western lowland gorilla from the Saint Louis Zoo, is now leading the family troop at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
Lloyd Wildlife Center Brings In Lemurs to Fund Madagascar Trees
Every lemur encounter at the Jefferson County center helps plant trees in Madagascar's threatened forests.
Where to See Florida Panthers in the Wild (2026 Guide)
The best public-access sites in southwest Florida for panther country — plus what to realistically expect when you get there.
Atlantic Ridge Preserve: 30 Miles of Wild Florida Trails
This tucked-away wetland park near Jupiter packs 4,886 acres of hammock forests, rare birds, and alligators into a peaceful escape.
Pittsburgh Foundation Gives $250K to Pennekamp's New Aquarium
The Richard King Mellon Foundation's pledge will fund interpretive exhibits and programs at the $52 million Key Largo facility.
Two Rare Florida Snakes Now Protected as Endangered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has formally listed two of Florida's rarest native snakes under the Endangered Species Act.
Florida's Other Argentine: The Giant Tegu Taking Over Miami
Miami-Dade has logged over 8,000 tegu sightings — far more than any other U.S. county.
Jacksonville Zoo's Manatees, Fall Events & a Famous Skink
Manatee rehab milestones, Brew at the Zoo ticket deadlines, and a Lord of the Rings–named ambassador animal are all part of the mix.
Florida Parks Group Backs America the Beautiful Act
The Alliance for Florida's National Parks is urging Congress to renew a key infrastructure fund for Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas.
Burmese Pythons Now Breeding Outside the Everglades
A confirmed colony in Charlotte County signals the invasive snakes may be gaining ground along Florida's Gulf Coast.
The Tegu Lizard Quietly Taking Over the Everglades
The egg-eating Argentine Black and White Tegu is spreading fast — and Florida's native wildlife is paying the price.
St. Augustine's Alligator Farm Runs a Rare 'Croc School' for Zoo Pros
A nine-day intensive at the iconic Florida park prepares zoo and aquarium staff to care for some of the world's most endangered reptiles.
Meet Ivy, Animal Kingdom's Adorable Baby Giraffe
The young Masai giraffe is now roaming the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna for guests to spot.
How to Swim Safely in Florida Lakes With Gators Around
Florida's freshwater lakes are beautiful — and shared with some formidable wildlife. Here's how to stay safe.
Blue Spring State Park Rolls Out New Entry System
Visiting the popular manatee haven now takes a bit more advance planning.
Blue Spring State Park Now Requires Day-Use Reservations
A new online reservation system aims to cut down on long lines and crowding at the popular manatee haven.
Fort Myers Otter Caught Enjoying a Fishy Breakfast
A local resident snapped a delightful close-up of a river otter making the most of mealtime.
140+ Captive Animals Have Escaped in Florida Since 2022
State records reveal kangaroos, a white rhino, monkeys, and giant lizards among the escapees.
Why Petting a Wild Gator Is Dangerous for Everyone
Florida wildlife officials are looking into a recent alligator-petting incident that stirred strong reactions online.
Florida's 2026 Python Challenge Takes Aim at Everglades Invaders
A 10-day Burmese python hunt returns to the Everglades with a $10,000 grand prize on the line.
Burned Osprey Found at Cape Canaveral Is on the Mend
The bird was discovered injured a day after a major explosion rocked a nearby Blue Origin launch pad.
Florida Probes Video of Woman Petting Wild Alligator
Wildlife advocates say the encounter put both the woman and the gator at serious risk.
Blue Springs State Park Now Requires Reservations
Planning a trip to see the manatees? You'll need to book your spot ahead of time.
Blue Spring State Park Adds Day-Use Reservation Requirement
Starting July 15, visitors will need to book ahead before heading to the popular manatee haven.
Seabranch Preserve: Florida's Quiet Coastal Wildlife Gem
This underrated coastal state park offers old-Florida wetland scenery and close encounters with bobcats, tortoises, and more.
North Florida Wildlife Center Needs Your Extra Produce This Summer
Donations hit their annual low point in summer — and local animals are counting on community help.
Burmese Pythons Establish New Foothold in Southwest Florida
A new population outside the Everglades has conservation officials on high alert.
New Python Hot Spot Raises Alarm in Southwest Florida
Wildlife officials are watching a newly identified Burmese python population in Southwest Florida with growing concern.
New Python Hot Spot Alarms Southwest Florida Experts
A Burmese python population has taken hold outside the Everglades, raising alarms about how far the snakes may spread.
Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway: The Complete Driving Guide
How to plan, drive, and make the most of this wild 60-mile National Scenic Byway through the heart of Ocala National Forest.
Invasive Curly-Tailed Lizards Are Moving Into Central Florida
A Bahamian lizard that's called South Florida home since the 1930s is now pushing farther north.
St. Marks Refuge: Tallahassee's Wild Backyard
Just south of Tallahassee, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers birding, fishing, and trails through unspoiled Florida habitat.
Florida's Most Dangerous Wildlife and How to Stay Safe
From alligators to sharks to snakes, here's what to know before heading outdoors in Florida.
Swim With Manatees at Crystal River: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about Kings Bay tours, seasonal rules, passive-observation etiquette, and the best time to go.
How to Celebrate the Fourth Without Harming Florida Wildlife
State wildlife officials are asking beachgoers to keep fireworks, litter, and foot traffic away from nesting areas.
Grassy Waters Preserve: West Palm Beach's Hidden Wetland Gem
This West Palm Beach nature preserve offers boardwalks, wetland trails, and up-close wildlife encounters — including alligators.
Merritt Island NWR: The Complete Wildlife Visitor's Guide
From gator-lined dikes to manatee-filled canals, here's how to plan a perfect day at Florida's wildest Space Coast refuge.
Keep Florida's Beach Wildlife Safe This Fourth of July
State wildlife officials are asking beachgoers to skip the fireworks and tidy up for nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.
Skip the Beach Fireworks This 4th — Sea Turtles Need You To
Florida wildlife officials are asking holiday beachgoers to opt for professional shows to protect nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.
Florida's Wildlife Corridor Marks Five Years of Conservation
Nearly 500,000 acres protected since 2021, and a new interactive map shows how much more is possible.
Florida's Wildlife Corridor Marks Five Years of Progress
Nearly 500,000 acres have been protected since 2021, and a new interactive map shows what deeper conservation could mean for the state.