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