Latest news with #FloridaFish&WildlifeConservationCommission
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Can I shoot a Burmese python in my yard? What to know about the invasive species
If you see a Burmese python slithering across your Florida driveway, can you shoot it? Turns out, yes. Humanely. Burmese pythons — large, nonvenomous constrictor snakes — are native to South Asia, but since they were introduced to Florida, they have become one of the most destructive invasive species the state has ever seen. Burmese pythons reproduce in great numbers, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and eat anything from eggs to small deer. The pythons can consume meals equivalent to 100% of their body mass and have few natural predators. A 2012 study suggested that in Everglades National Park, pythons were responsible for a decline of 85% to 100% of the population of medium-sized animals such as raccoons and rabbits. Burmese pythons also pose a threat to humans and pets. They were added to Florida's prohibited species list in 2021. Every August, the state encourages hunters to thin the Burmese snake population with a 10-day competition, The Florida Python Challenge, which offers prizes for the most killed and the longest python removed in different categories such as professionals, novices and the military. The big prize is $10,000 for the participant in any category who removes the most pythons. Firearms are not permitted in the Florida Python Challenge because there is no established firearm season at the time. That restriction doesn't apply to your own property, however, provided that firing a firearm on your property (or someone else's, with permission) doesn't violate any local regulations. To keep the population down, Burmese pythons can be captured and humanely killed on private property or on FWC-managed lands all year round, with no bag limit, provided you follow area regulations on firearms. Nonnative reptiles in Florida are not protected, except by anti-cruelty law. "There is an ethical and legal obligation to ensure nonnative reptiles are killed in a humane manner," the FWC said. The agency recommends a two-step process from the American Veterinary Medical Association: Step 1: There must be immediate loss of consciousness. A captive bolt, firearm or air gun must be used to shoot directly to the brain. Step 2: The brain must be destroyed. The python must be unconscious. A small rod, like a screwdriver, spike or pick, must be inserted into the cranial cavity and twisted to ensure the entire brain is destroyed. "The AVMA recommends a firearm with a muzzle energy of 300 FPE for animals weighing up to 400 lbs and 1,000 FPE for animals over 400 lbs," the FWC said. Pythons must be humanely killed onsite at the time of capture. Live transport of pythons is not allowed. The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world, the FWC said. Adults caught in Florida average between 6 and 9 feet, with the largest one measuring an amazing 18 feet long. They are tan, with dark blotches along the back and sides that look like puzzle pieces or giraffe markings. Burmese pythons have a pyramid-shaped head with a dark, arrowhead-shaped wedge extending toward the nose. If you spot a Burmese python, avoid it and report the sighting to the FWC. Take a photo and note your location before reporting one of three ways: Call the exotic Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681) Use the free IveGot1 mobile app Online at This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Burmese pythons an invasive Florida threat, what to know about killing
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gatorland Global conservation effort achieves not-for-profit status
Gatorland, the long-standing Orlando animal attraction, has made its Gatorland Global conservation effort an official 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Gatorland Global acts locally and internationally, protecting and rescuing alligators in Florida while also acting outside the U.S. with efforts in nations such as Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela and Colombia. Formally becoming a not-for-profit allows the group to provide dedicated resources to conservation groups. Gatorland Global was established in 2018. 'Internationally, Gatorland Global supports several research facilities and sanctuaries to conserve critically endangered crocodilians and their dwindling habitats,' Mark McHugh, president and CEO of Gatorland, said in a news release. 'Globally, we educate people, schools, and communities on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to healthy ecosystems and teach people how to safely live near these dangerous, yet incredible animals.' Gatorland Global also partners with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and trappers to rescue wild alligators that might be sold for hides and meat otherwise. It has saved more than 100 alligators and relocated them to the attraction, which has been open on Orange Blossom Trail since 1949. Jawlene eating, adjusting to her new life at Gatorland This year, Gatorland experts will travel to Venezuela to release two Orinoco crocodiles raised since they were hatchlings at the attraction. Savannah Boan, Gatorland Global international ambassador, travels with Gatorland team members several times a year for collaborations. 'Gatorland Global builds lasting relationships and shares vital knowledge that helps protect Florida wildlife and wildlife around the world,' Boan said. For more information, go to Gatorland salutes rescue animals with Walk of Fame Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at Picture it: 75 years of Gatorland history
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Distressing 'mayday' audio of Clearwater ferry boat crash released by Florida Coast Guard
Distressing new audio has revealed the moment a Clearwater ferry boat crashed in Florida, leaving one dead and at least a dozen injured, some of them seriously. 'Mayday, mayday, mayday, there's been a boat collision! The Clearwater ferry, underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater ferry is adrift,' the controller was heard shouting as the two vessels collided. Officials, who called it a 'mass casualty' accident, said a private boat struck the ferry near the Memorial Causeway bridge on Sunday night before speeding away from the scene. The Clearwater Ferry was shuttling festivalgoers to and from the final night of the 17-day Sugar Sand Festival when it was hit by a private boat carrying six people. The 37-foot private boat and the driver were found three hours after it fled the scene, police said. The US Coast Guard said that on-scene reports indicated that all 45 people on the ferry and all six people on the boat were accounted for. All of those injured were aboard the ferry, according to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The person who died has not been identified. On Monday morning, the Coast Guard said a total of 12 people were taken to a local hospital. The Clearwater Ferry (pictured after the crash) was shuttling festival goers to and from the final night of the 17-day Sugar Sand Festival when it was hit by a private boat carrying six people No one was detained and alcohol did not play a role in the crash, an officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission said Monday afternoon. All of the identified victims were adults, though there were some children on the vessel as well, they added. Many people suffered broken bones and head injuries, among others, police said. The horror crash caused 'quite a chaotic scene,' Clearwater Fire and Rescue public information officer Rob Shaw told WFLA. 'It was quite a chaotic scene when we got here. There were some patients being picked up by neighboring boats,' he recalled. 'Good Samaritans were trying to help, there were other patients who were walking ashore because some of the shallow waters here off the bridge, so they were able to. Those who could were able to walk ashore and get medical help.' Following the terrifying incident, Clearwater Ferry issued a statement, saying how 'heartbroken' the company was to hear of the fatal collision. 'We are heartbroken for the person who lost their life, everyone who was hurt, and their families,' the company said. 'We deeply appreciate the dedication of the first responders and others who rushed to help Sunday night. We are cooperating with the investigation. Safety is the top priority for PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry.' A distressed-looking pregnant woman who was aboard the ferry said she could not feel her baby moving as she headed to the hospital. Brenda Alvarez, who is 31 weeks pregnant, was on the ferry with her husband and two kids in Clearwater that night. 'We are actually going to go to the hospital right now to get checked because I'm a little worried I haven't felt the baby move,' she told ABC Action News. 'It's very scary.' Alvarez fell between two seats when the collision occurred. She said the impact caused her 'whole body to hurt.' 'We just wanted to get to our cars and get home. We never, you never expect anything to happen,' she added. She went on to say that it's hard to truly comprehend 'how fast [the other boat] was going, how that was even logically possible. 'It's horrible. It shattered, it shattered the whole back of the boat, left a huge dent,' she said. But Alvarez praised first responders who bravely rushed in to assist her children off the ferry. Both vessels are currently being secured as evidence, FWC officials said. They are also canvassing the area and going through all the 911 calls made at the time of the crash.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
PHOTOS: Pinellas detective rescues young owl from busy Clearwater parking lot
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — A Pinellas County detective helped save a lone young owl in a Clearwater parking lot on Tuesday morning. The sheriff's office said Detective Smith was walking in a parking lot when he spotted an Eastern Screech Owlet on the ground and in the path of vehicle traffic. Smith quickly moved the owlet to a safer location and waited to see if the owl's parents would return for their baby. Popular social media chef says he's cancer-free after given 30% chance to live 'When no adult appeared despite the morning hour for this nocturnal little one, he knew it was time to call the pros,' the sheriff's office posted on Facebook. The detective contacted the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for assistance. Then, an FWC officer took the owlet to a specialized raptor rehabilitation center. 'If an animal is in immediate danger (like this owlet in a busy parking lot), safely moving it nearby is appropriate. When in doubt, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for professional guidance,' the sheriff's office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
They're invasive, but is it legal to shoot green iguanas in Florida? Here's what to know
Florida is home to thousands of unique creatures — whether they were invited or not. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state is plagued by more than 500 non-native plant and animal species, especially iguanas. Green iguanas have been taking over South Florida since the 1960s. These large green lizards originated in Central America and are found in the tropical parts of South America and some eastern Caribbean islands. They are known to cause damage to residential and commercial landscape vegetation and are often considered a nuisance by property owners. What can Floridians do about this nuisance in their community? Iguanas invaded Marco Island: One man's on a quest to stop them with an air gun Here's what you need to know about hunting and eating iguanas in Florida. Yes. Iguanas are an invasive species in Florida, meaning they're not native to the state, and are only protected by anti-cruelty laws. They can be humanely killed on private property year-round with landowner permission, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). It's legal to eat iguanas but it's illegal to import iguanas or iguana meat. There are 32 FWC-managed public lands in south Florida where you don't need a hunting license to kill iguanas, since they're highly invasive to that portion of the state. The public lands where you can kill as many iguanas as you'd like are the same areas where residents and hunters are encouraged to kill any pythons they see. 'If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from a professional nuisance wildlife trapper,' the FWC's website says. 'A permit is required to possess live captured green iguanas for eradication and control purposes.' If you want to hunt iguanas for their meat or to just help out with controlling their presence in South Florida but don't know where to go, you can book a guided iguana hunt. There are only two rules to consider when hunting or killing iguanas: You must either have permission from the owner of the property where you found the iguana or be on one of the 32 FWC-managed public lands where eliminating iguanas is encouraged. You must kill the iguana or iguanas humanely. Regardless of the method you use, you must ensure the following two steps are completed to humanely kill a reptile: Step 1: Your method should result in the animal losing consciousness immediately. Step 2: You should then destroy the animal's brain by 'pithing' which prevents the animal from regaining consciousness. For more information visit the 2020 AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. If you've gone out and killed an iguana without intent to eat it, don't toss the body in a road or waterway. You could be charged with a littering fine. Tossing a dead iguana in the trash could also cost you, depending on where you live. Some cities' waste management systems allow you to throw it in the trash if it is double-bagged, while others require residents to hire a private pickup service to get rid of the dead animal. Check what the rules are for your city before you toss the large dead lizard. Yes! The iguana has been eaten in other countries for centuries. "People have been eating iguanas since at least 10,000 years ago, when humans reached the New World tropics. It was a readily available, not-too-dangerous food source. It's always been part of the diet," William Kern, a professor at the University of Florida, told USA TODAY back in 2020. Invasive animals you can eat: Could we solve Florida's invasive animal problem by eating them? Its meat is high in protein and low in fat. It's well-suited for tacos, burritos, curries, soups, stews, gumbo and more, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. 'The solution? Iguana stew,' the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wrote on its list. 'Their meat is often called 'chicken of the trees' for its mild flavor.' The FWC allows for the humane killing and consumption of iguanas in Florida, as they are considered an invasive species. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Invasive iguanas: What are the rules for killing iguanas in Florida?
