🦩 Wildlife
Manatee sightings, gator news, conservation updates, and wildlife encounters from across Florida.
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.