🦩 Wildlife
Manatee sightings, gator news, conservation updates, and wildlife encounters from across Florida.
Ten Thousand Islands NWR: Kayak, Boat & Marsh Trail Guide
Plan a smart Southwest Florida wildlife outing with the refuge’s best trail, launch and on-the-water logistics.
Camp Blanding WMA Access Permit: iSportsman Guide
How hikers and wildlife viewers can use iSportsman, track military closures and visit Camp Blanding WMA legally.
Two Young Kangaroos Join North Florida Wildlife Center
Bonnie and Tilley are currently in pouch-style care before joining the center’s other kangaroos.
What to Do if You Find a Sea Turtle Hatchling After a Storm
Florida wildlife officials say stranded hatchlings should not be handled or put back in the ocean.
Central Florida Zoo Offers Animals, Train Rides and Seasonal Events
Sanford’s Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens combines animal encounters, a scaled-down train and seasonal programs.
Tom Rahill Wins Florida Python Challenge With 96 Snakes
Tom Rahill earned the $10,000 top prize after removing 96 Burmese pythons during Florida’s annual hunt.
Miami Teen Sets Florida Record for Jaguar Guapote
A 16-year-old angler caught the 3.02-pound record fish in the Westwood Lakes area, according to FWC.
Python Hunt Winner Captures Remarkable Number in Everglades
A winner of Florida’s annual python hunt removed an unusually large number of invasive snakes from the Everglades.
Two Florida-Only Mammals Still Face Habitat Pressures
The Florida bonneted bat and Florida mouse both depend on habitats under continuing pressure from development and loss.
Bakso the Tiger to Leave Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Fall
The 2-year-old Sumatran tiger will move to another accredited zoo through the Species Survival Plan.
FWC: Don’t Touch Turtle Hatchlings Washed Onto Florida Beaches
Wildlife officials say rough surf can return hatchlings to shore, where they may need specialized care.
Florida Leatherbacks Could Set a New Nesting Record
Preliminary statewide counts show 2,209 leatherback nests, which would top Florida’s record after final review.
Florida Alligator Hunt Permit: Lottery, Costs & Rules
A practical guide to Florida’s statewide alligator-hunt lottery, permit areas, access rules, agent licenses and 2026 dates.
Three Sisters Springs: Manatee Season, Shuttle & Access Guide
Plan a smooth Crystal River visit with the seasonal manatee-viewing rules, boardwalk logistics and water-access basics.
Disney World Animal Care Team Prepares 10,000 Pounds of Food Daily
More than 5,000 animals at Walt Disney World receive 1,200 specialized diets each day.
FWC: Don’t Return Stranded Sea Turtle Hatchlings to the Ocean
Florida wildlife officials say storm-washed hatchlings need specialized care, not a push back into the surf.
202-Pound Burmese Python Still Florida’s Heaviest Catch of 2026
A 202-pound female caught in Big Cypress remains this year’s largest, while 56 pythons have been removed in Palm Beach County.
Florida Spiny Lobster Sport Season: Visitor Rules & Limits
A practical guide to mini-season licenses, bag limits, protected zones and Florida Keys rules for visiting lobster hunters.
FWC Sets Virtual Gopher Tortoise Meeting for Oct. 14
The public can join FWC’s virtual Gopher Tortoise Technical Assistance Group meeting on Oct. 14.
Florida Crew Removes Brooding Python and Her Egg Clutch
A female invasive python was removed with the eggs she was guarding in a nest concealed among ferns.
Florida Fish Art Contest Opens for K–12 Students
Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grade can enter original fish artwork through Feb. 28.
Florida Extends 2026 Gulf Red Snapper Season by Eight Days
Private recreational anglers will get an additional eight consecutive Gulf red snapper harvest days in October.
Burmese Pythons Established in Western Charlotte County
Florida wildlife officials say a satellite population has become established in western Charlotte County.
Atlantic Red Snapper Season Adds 14 Days Off Florida
A revised NOAA permit gives Florida recreational anglers additional Atlantic red snapper harvest days this fall.
FWC Adds Eight Days to Gulf Red Snapper Season
Florida’s private recreational Gulf red snapper season will now stay open continuously from Oct. 9 through Oct. 22.
Blue Spring Manatees: Reservation & Winter Viewing Guide
How to reserve day entry, understand winter water closures, and enjoy Blue Spring’s manatee boardwalk with less stress.
Florida Gets 14-Day Fall Atlantic Red Snapper Season
NOAA Fisheries approved a 14-day fall Atlantic red snapper season for Florida anglers beginning in October.
Miami Teen Sets Florida Record With 3.02-Pound Jaguar Guapote
A 16-year-old angler landed a 3.02-pound invasive jaguar guapote in the Westwood Lakes area.
Rain Revives Everglades After Drought, Aiding Wildlife
Recent rainfall has restored water to parched Everglades sloughs, aiding wildlife, aquifer recharge and airboat operators.
Merritt Island NWR: Black Point Drive, Pass & Visitor Guide
Everything you need to know before driving Florida's most spectacular wildlife loop — fees, passes, hours, and when to go.
Five-Foot Gator Spotted Swimming Near Sanibel Beachgoers
A herpetologist explained why the reptile may have made the unusual trip into saltwater.
Hurlburt Field Is Tracking Bears — and Training Staff to Coexist
More than 15 black bears routinely roam the base, and a wildlife biologist is working to keep both people and bears safe.
Burmese Pythons Spread Beyond the Everglades in Florida
A new satellite population has taken hold in Charlotte County, north of their traditional South Florida range.
Miami Teen Breaks 9-Year Jaguar Guapote State Record
Sixteen-year-old Xzavier Peon landed the record catch in Miami's Westwood Lakes area using live bait.
Florida Black Bears Are Hungry This Fall — Secure Your Trash
Florida wildlife officials say bears can spend up to 20 hours a day foraging this time of year — and your garbage is an easy target.
Miami Teen Breaks Florida Jaguar Guapote Record at 3.02 Pounds
Sixteen-year-old Xzavier Peon landed the 16-inch fish in the Westwood Lakes area using live bait.
Florida Kids Can Win Big With Fish-Inspired Art This Year
The FWC and Wildlife Forever are accepting submissions through February 28, 2027.
Manatee County Deputies Get a Surprise from 8-Foot Gator
What deputies thought was a small backyard gator turned out to be an 8-foot, 4-inch nuisance animal.
Turkeys Trail a Gator Across a Florida Golf Course
A viral clip from St. Johns Golf Club captures one of Florida's more unexpected wildlife pairings.
Illegal Gill Net Pulled from Sanibel Waters After Trapping Wildlife
About 500 feet of illegal netting trapped fish, sharks, and a stingray off West Gulf Drive — and nearly snagged a manatee.
Alligator Strolls Through Tampa High School Lacrosse Practice
The Alonso Ravens lacrosse team stepped aside as a Florida gator took its time crossing the field.
How Much Florida's Python Hunters Actually Get Paid
From hourly wages to nest bonuses, here's the real breakdown of what it pays to hunt Burmese pythons in the Everglades.
Florida Fish Art Contest Invites Kids to Draw Native Species
The FWC and Wildlife Forever are accepting artwork and creative writing submissions through February 2027.
Florida Fish Art Contest Now Open for K–12 Students
FWC and Wildlife Forever invite Florida students from kindergarten through 12th grade to submit original fish-inspired artwork.
Wildlife Crossings Could Save Florida Communities Millions
A new study shows Florida communities can cut animal-vehicle collisions by 87% and earn a 10-to-1 return on investment.
New Study Shows Wildlife Crossings Pay for Themselves in Florida
A Live Wildly report finds a $500,000 crossing could return $5 million in public benefits over its lifetime.
Fakahatchee Ghost Orchid Swamp Walk: How to Book & What to Know
Inside Florida's wildest state park, a guided wade through knee-deep cypress swamp is the only reliable way to spot the legendary ghost orchid.
How to ID Florida's Invasive and Nonnative Species
FWC and the University of Florida offer free tools to help you identify and report unknown animals.
Best Florida Springs for Snorkeling & Wildlife (2026 Guide)
Five iconic springs, ranked for underwater wildlife encounters — with current fees, gear rules, and the seasons that make each one shine.
Florida Wildlife Center's Lemurs Help Restore Madagascar Forests
A small Jefferson County center is turning lemur encounters into rainforest restoration half a world away.
North Florida Family Locks 816 Acres Into Permanent Conservation
A Putnam County farming family used a $2.665 million easement to keep 816 acres wild — and still working — forever.
Could the Flamingo Replace Florida's State Bird?
A Zoo Miami ambassador is pushing hard to swap the northern mockingbird for the American flamingo before the March legislative session.
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Opens Massive New Bird Flight Complex
The 120-foot structure gives injured raptors room to rebuild strength before returning to the wild.
Florida Sea Turtle Walks 2026: How to Book & What to Expect
Permitted guided walks are the only legal way to watch a loggerhead nest at night — here's everything you need to know before you go.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive: Hours, Rules & Birding Guide
Everything you need to know before driving Florida's best free wildlife route, 25 minutes from Orlando.
Florida Snowy Plover Nesting Season: Sites, Rules & Viewing Tips
These tiny Gulf Coast birds nest in plain sight — here's where to find them, how the protection system works, and how to watch without causing harm.
Ding Darling Tram Tour: Reservations, Cost & Wildlife Tips
Everything you need to know to book the narrated tram ride through Sanibel's famous refuge — and decide if self-driving fits you better.
FWC Launches Online Portal for Event Appearance Requests
A new centralized system lets organizers request FWC speakers, exhibits, and outreach activities all in one place.
Two Red Kangaroos Join North Florida Wildlife Center
Tillie and Bonnie are settling into their new home in Tallahassee, with an Australia Walkthrough exhibit planned soon.
Florida Roseate Spoonbills: Best Sites & When to Go
From the Everglades to St. Augustine, here's where — and when — to find Florida's most dazzling pink wading bird.
Meet Prospect, Animal Kingdom's Newest African Painted Dog
A young male named Prospect has joined the painted dog pack at Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Florida Piping Plover: Best Winter Viewing Sites & Tips
A federally threatened shorebird smaller than your fist winters on Florida's Gulf and Atlantic beaches from summer through spring — here's where to find one.
Florida Rancher Protects 660 Acres for Panthers and Clean Water
A Hardee County cattle rancher placed his hard-earned land under a permanent easement, closing a gap in the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Flamingo Habitat Coming to North Florida Wildlife Center
A single donor is funding the new pond exhibit, which will welcome 18 American flamingos by year's end.
Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking: Space Coast Tour Guide
How to plan a glowing-water kayak night on the Indian River Lagoon — season, moon timing, launch sites, and tour picks.
National Key Deer Refuge: Trails, Viewing Tips & Visitor Guide
Everything you need to explore Big Pine Key's beloved refuge — from the best sunrise spots to rules that keep the tiny deer wild.
Ted Turner's 25,000-Acre Florida Wildlife Estate Near Tallahassee
The CNN founder's former cotton plantation near Tallahassee grew into one of Florida's most significant private conservation landscapes.
Florida Wildlife Corridor: How to Visit & What You'll See
A guide to the public lands, best entry points, and iconic wildlife along Florida's great wild backbone.
Tiny 'Jumping Sticks' Mystify Space Coast Beachgoers
Translucent, wriggling inch-long creatures washing ashore near Indialantic turn out to be rare larval fish.
Where to See Whooping Cranes in Florida: Sites & Season Guide
From Kissimmee Prairie's resident flock to rare winter visitors at St. Marks NWR — how to find, ID, and report Florida's rarest large birds.
Free Webinar Eyes New Funding Tools for Florida Wildlife Corridor
A free two-hour online session on September 2 explores how landowners and conservationists can get paid for protecting Florida's natural lands.
The Agency That Guards Florida's Wild Side
A look at the agencies that have shaped wildlife protection in Florida for nearly a century.
Free Webinar Explores Paying Landowners to Protect Florida's Wild Lands
A free two-hour online session on September 2 brings together ranchers, conservationists, and finance experts to discuss ecosystem service payments.
Asian Swamp Eels Are Reshaping the Everglades Food Web
A new study finds invasive Asian swamp eels are the top predictor of declining frog and salamander populations across the Everglades.
Free Webinar Eyes Payment for Florida's Working Lands
A free two-hour online session explores how landowners could be paid for the clean water, flood protection, and habitat their properties already provide.
Creek Ranch Is Now a Wild, Fishable Slice of Central Florida
A $36.1 million state purchase turned a former cattle ranch into 1,342 acres of connected habitat and year-round fishing.
Giant Hammerhead Shark Hunts Ray at Panama City Beach
Video from July 30 shows a great hammerhead corralling a spotted eagle ray just yards from shore.
This Former Ranch Between Orlando and Fort Myers Is Now Public Wilderness
Creek Ranch WMA near Lake Hatchineha offers fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting on 1,300+ acres of protected Central Florida land.
Florida Black Skimmer Colonies: Best Beaches & Viewing Guide
Where to find Florida's dramatic black skimmer nesting colonies, when to go, and the rules that keep these threatened birds thriving.
Trail Cameras Guard Panthers as I-4 Wildlife Overpass Nears
ZooTampa and the fStop Foundation are monitoring Florida's first wildlife overpass with cameras in Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.
New Smyrna Beach Firefighters Rescue Two Stranded Manatees
A late-night call at Smyrna Dunes Park brought firefighters to the shore to haul two massive sea cows back to freedom.
One Hunter Caught 96 Pythons — and Broke Every Record
Tom Rahill's haul at this year's Florida Python Challenge topped the next competitor by 60 snakes.
A Florida Couple's Swamp Purchase Became a Wildlife Sanctuary
Jim Stevenson and Tara Tanaka bought 45 acres of Tallahassee wetland in 2007 — and watched it become one of the region's most remarkable bird rookeries.
Deputies Rescue 75 Baby Sea Turtles Headed the Wrong Way
About 75 disoriented hatchlings were gathered near a beach access point and returned safely to the ocean.
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.