🦩 Wildlife
Manatee sightings, gator news, conservation updates, and wildlife encounters from across Florida.
Limestone Creek Ranch Protected From Development
A $6.52 million easement protects 1,034 acres of working ranchland in Hardee County.
Circle B Bar Reserve: Alligator Alley, Parking & Wildlife
Plan a smart visit to this Lakeland wildlife favorite, from the current Alligator Alley detour to gator-safe viewing.
FWC Wildlife Safety Tips After a Major Florida Storm
FWC says wildlife can turn up in flooded yards and debris after storms — here is what Florida residents and visitors should do, plus the hotlines to call.
Orlando Home Covered in Suspected Cuban Tree Froglets
After days of rain, dozens of young frogs appeared on an Orlando home's exterior walls.
St. Marks NWR: Lighthouse Road, Fees & Wildlife Guide
Plan a smart drive to St. Marks Lighthouse with current entry details, closure advice and seasonal wildlife stops.
Red Tide Found at Low Levels Along Gulf Coast
FWC reported no suspected red-tide fish kills or respiratory irritation in Florida during the past week.
Pine Straw Donation Supports North Florida Wildlife Center
The North Florida Wildlife Center received 100 bales of pine straw to help maintain its grounds for animals and visitors.
Gopher Tortoise Decline Raises Stakes for Florida Habitat
Florida’s threatened gopher tortoise faces habitat loss, while strict rules govern how property owners can respond to burrows.
J.W. Corbett WMA: Permits, Gates & Wildlife Viewing
How to handle entry fees, seasonal access changes, roads and the best low-stress wildlife-viewing plan at Corbett.
Three Treasure Coast Counties See Strong Loggerhead Nesting
Loggerhead nest counts rose by 7,311 from last year across three Treasure Coast counties.
Loxahatchee NWR: Passes, Entrances, Trails & Canoe Route
A practical guide to entering Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR, choosing an access area and planning a safe Everglades outing.
FWC Seeks Public Input on African Pompano
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has scheduled two virtual webinars on African pompano.
Hunter Removes 96 Pythons to Win Florida Python Challenge
The 2026 Florida Python Challenge drew 907 competitors, who removed 280 invasive pythons from South Florida.
Female Manatee Returns to Ocean After Palm Beach Rescue
Officials monitored a female manatee that came ashore while escaping mating males.
Florida Panther NWR: Trails, Rules & Wildlife Viewing
A practical guide to hiking Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge responsibly, from trail access to wildlife-smart etiquette.
Bakso the Tiger Cub to Leave Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Fall
The 2-year-old Sumatran tiger is expected to move this fall as part of breeding efforts for the critically endangered species.
Pennekamp Discovery Center Gets $2 Million County Boost
Monroe County’s $2 million allocation supports a new aquarium and coral-reef education center planned for 2028.
Timu the Eastern Black Rhino Joins Animal Kingdom Savanna
Timu, an eastern black rhino, is now visible to guests on Disney’s Animal Kingdom savanna.
Highlands Hammock Tram Tour: Tickets, Wildlife & Timing
A practical guide to seasonal tram rides, likely wildlife and choosing between the tour and Highlands Hammock’s loop drive.
Myakka Initiative Adds Bird Habitats, Pursues Audubon Certification
The Myakka Initiative has installed species-specific nesting structures and begun a voluntary Audubon certification process.
Crystal River Manatee Swim: Rules, Tours & Closures
A practical guide to touring, swimming and respectfully viewing manatees in Crystal River’s Kings Bay.
Florida TrophyCatch Season 15 Adds Prizes for Big Bass
Florida’s catch-photo-release bass program runs through Sept. 30, 2027, with two new milestone prizes.
Florida WMA Quota Hunt Permits: How Drawings Work
A clear guide to Florida’s Phase I–III quota system, preference points, guest permits and returned-permit reissues.
Oyster Harvesting Reopens in Apalachicola Bay
Florida has reopened commercial and recreational oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay under strict regulations.