🦩 Wildlife
Manatee sightings, gator news, conservation updates, and wildlife encounters from across Florida.
FWC Warns Boaters as Manatees Move to Winter Waters
As waters cool, the FWC is asking boaters to slow down and watch for manatees headed to warm-water refuges.
Four Jamaican Iguanas Hatch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Four critically endangered Jamaican iguanas hatched backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Stock Island Captain Wins Florida’s Lionfish Challenge
Hunter Ledbetter removed 1,541 invasive lionfish in four months, earning the statewide title and Veterans Division win.
The Villages Warns Residents Against Feeding Wildlife
District officials say feeding wild animals can create safety risks and disrupt natural behaviors.
Bakso the Tiger Joins Pumpkin Enrichment at Animal Kingdom
The young Sumatran tiger was filmed finding, carrying and tearing apart a pumpkin at Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Turkey Creek Preserve trail honors Bob Simons
A half-mile Blue Trail and wildlife platform now recognize the late conservationist’s work in Alachua County.
FWC Takes Comments on Limpkin, Key Silverside Guidelines
Florida wildlife officials are accepting public comments through Nov. 30 on draft permitting guidance for two species.
Big Cypress ORV Permit: Inspection, Rules & Trail Access
What every ATV, UTV, 4x4, swamp buggy and airboat operator needs before entering Big Cypress backcountry trails.
Wakulla Springs Boat Tour: Tickets, Times & Wildlife
How to reserve the river cruise, what it costs, and how to give yourself the best chance of memorable wildlife sightings.
Fall Is a Legal Window for Bat Exclusions in Southwest Florida
Wildlife officials say fall is outside maternity season, allowing trained professionals to remove attic bats through exclusions.
FWC TrophyCatch Hall of Fame Ceremony Set for Gainesville
FWC will recognize eight top bass catches from the past season on Nov. 7 at Bass Pro Shops in Gainesville.
Red Tide Bloom Detected in St. Joseph Bay
FWC reported the season’s first bloom-level samples in Gulf County, along with fish kills and respiratory irritation reports.
FWC Begins Water Lettuce Treatment on Lake Okeechobee
FWC is using helicopters to treat dense invasive water lettuce in parts of Lake Okeechobee, weather permitting.
Manatee Rescued From Shallow Ditch in Indian River County
Deputies assisted the state’s manatee rescue team in relocating the animal Tuesday.
Hendrie Ranch Easement Protects 5,610 Acres in Highlands
A $12.9 million state easement will limit future development while keeping the Highlands County ranch in operation.
FWC Confirms Burmese Python Population in Charlotte County
Wildlife officials are monitoring and removing pythons in western Charlotte County, a new established population outside their core range.
Naples Bear Sighting Is a Reminder to Secure Food and Trash
A Naples homeowner says a black bear entered through an unlocked gate, opened a patio fridge and got into trash.
Winter Manatees Return to Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring’s 72-degree water draws manatees to its run near Orange City during colder weather.
Florida’s Lionfish Challenge Sets New Removal Record
Divers and harvesters removed 36,187 invasive lionfish from Florida waters during the 2026 statewide challenge.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Tickets, Boardwalk & Wildlife
Plan a smooth Naples-area visit with current admission prices, seasonal hours, accessible boardwalk details and wildlife timing.
Three Nyala Calves Join Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna
The calves are bonding backstage with their mothers before guests may spot them on the savanna.
Florida Divers Remove 36,187 Lionfish in Annual Challenge
A record 533 divers removed 36,187 invasive lionfish during Florida’s summer-long FWC Lionfish Challenge.
Bald Eagle Rescued From Fanning Springs Yard
FWC officers captured a bald eagle for evaluation after it remained in a Fanning Springs resident’s yard.
Key Largo Park Lecture to Explore Florida Keys Snakes
A U.S. Geological Survey biologist will discuss Keys snakes, including conservation concerns, at an Oct. 26 talk.