Latest news with #FloridaFishandWildlifeResearchInstitute
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Earth Day rescue: Manatee found with fishing lure lodged in mouth
The above video shows the rescue of two manatees last week that were stranded in a canal. MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Rescuers extended a helping hand to a manatee Tuesday that was found with a fishing lure lodged in its mouth. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said staff at its Melbourne Beach lab teamed up with specialists from four organizations to help the marine mammal. PHOTOS: Pinellas detective rescues young owl from busy Clearwater parking lot The team safely removed the lure, completed a health assessment and equipped the manatee with new tracking gear, including a satellite tag. Rescuers gave the manatee the name, 'Calliope,' before she was released back into the water. Calliope's rescue happened to coincide with Earth Day. The FWC said it should serve as a reminder to 'stash the trash' and keep an eye out for distressed wildlife. Those who assisted in the rescue included members of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Save the Manatee Club, Volusia County Marine Mammal Stranding and ZooTampa. Anyone who spots a manatee that is deceased, injured, entangled, distressed, or tagged, is asked to call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
PHOTOS: FWC introduces 3 new Florida panther kittens
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) introduced three new Florida panther kittens on Wednesday. The kittens, known as K525, K526, and K527, are between two and four weeks old. Researchers said they used the mother's GPS collar data to determine when she left the den to hunt. Newborn kittens rescued from wrecked car moments before demolition Biologists located the den, and each kitten was sexed, weighed, dewormed, microchipped for ID, and had a biopsy sample taken for genetic assessment, according to FWRI. The litter's mother, FP269, had given birth to three kittens last season; however, FWRI said they were likely preyed on by a black bear. 'The survival rate for Florida panther kittens to make it to year one is low – only 32%. It's tough being a panther; it's even tougher being a Florida panther kitten!' FWRI said in a Facebook post. FWRI said Florida residents can support research and conservation efforts for the next generation of Florida panthers by purchasing a 'Protect the Panther' license plate. You can also donate to the Florida Panther Fund via the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
565 manatees were reported dead in Florida last year: Here's what we've learned
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute released its final manatee mortality numbers for 2024. Last year, 565 of the sea cows were reported dead, with 100 in Brevard County alone. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] While not ideal, that number is lower than the 739 five-year average. Below are the local numbers. Note that they are much lower due to manatee populations being larger in central and southern Florida: Of the local deaths, two in Duval and two in St. Johns county were attributed to watercraft collisions. Human-related causes were responsible for about 30% of the total number of deaths in Florida that had a determined cause. FWC says 2024 has the second-highest observed number of structure-related (water control structures and navigational locks) deaths, with 17 incidents total. Of note is just how many calves didn't survive the year. 154 calves total died in 2024, far outpacing the previous high of 129 reported in 2013. The FWC says this may not be as concerning as it initially appears. The research institute says it is a likely sign of increased birth, meaning more manatees are recovering and reproducing. Read: Number of reported Florida manatee deaths declined in 2023, red tide and collisions remain threats Over half of the calf deaths were reported in the Indian River Lagoon, which is currently the subject of a lawsuit against the state. The environmental group. Bear Warriors United, alleges that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection violated the Endangered Species Act by reportedly allowing wastewater discharges into the lagoon. The group says the pollution has contributed to the death of seagrass, which Manatees need to survive. The lawsuit came after a record 1100 manatee deaths were reported in 2021, heavily concentrated in that area. The case is expected to go to trial. According to preliminary data by the FWC, there have been three manatee deaths locally so far in 2025. Two died in Putnam County, while another in Duval County died from cold stress last week. Read: Doctors at Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Lab saw highest influx of sea turtles in January [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
FWC collars heaviest Florida panther ever recorded: See the photos
The Brief FWC biologists recently captured and collared the heaviest Florida panther ever recorded, weighing 166 pounds. The collaring is part of an ongoing research program to monitor the panther's health, movements, and population, providing vital data to aid in conservation efforts for the endangered species. ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute recently made an exciting discovery! What we know The heaviest Florida panther ever recorded, weighing an impressive 166 pounds, was recently captured and fitted with a tracking collar by biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Typically, male panthers can weigh up to 160 pounds, with females weighing as much as 100 pounds, officials said. What we don't know FOX 35 News is working to learn when and where the panther was found. Dig deeper According to the FWC, collaring the panther is part of a long-term research program that allows wildlife officials to monitor panther movements, health and population dynamics. The project supplies crucial information to support conservation initiatives for the endangered Florida panther. What they're saying "When collaring a panther, biologists conduct a comprehensive health assessment that includes blood tests and collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis," the FWC said in a social media post. "The GPS collars deployed on panthers allow researchers to track movement patterns, survival, reproduction and habitat use, all of which help inform science-based management strategies that are critical to the recovery of this population." MORE NEWS: Central Florida animal rescue to shut down; 22 dogs need homes What you can do You can support the FWC's panther research by purchasing a Protect the Panther license plate. All proceeds will go directly toward funding these vital projects. To report a panther sighting or to learn more about the program, click here. The Source This story was written based on information shared by the FWC.
