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River otter removed from Lake Eola Park following swan deaths
Read full article: River otter removed from Lake Eola Park following swan deathsCity officials contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Assistance Program for solutions to prevent potential wildlife conflict after a river otter was spotted at Lake Eola Park.
Want to wrangle invasive pythons? FWC hosting virtual training sessions
Read full article: Want to wrangle invasive pythons? FWC hosting virtual training sessionsThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting virtual python hunter training every third Thursday throughout the summer.
FWC chairman talks next steps, reasoning behind controversial Split Oak land deal
Read full article: FWC chairman talks next steps, reasoning behind controversial Split Oak land dealFWC Chairman Rodney Barreto tells News 6 that the commission's agreement to lift conservation easements on protected land within Split Oak Forest will benefit the public in more ways than not.
Is someone breaking pelicans’ wings in Brevard County? Number of injuries increasing
Read full article: Is someone breaking pelicans’ wings in Brevard County? Number of injuries increasingThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is investigating after an “abnormal” increase in injuries among pelicans along Central Florida coastal counties.
What’s Florida Highway Patrol doing at the Mexico border? Here’s what we saw
Read full article: What’s Florida Highway Patrol doing at the Mexico border? Here’s what we sawNews 6 just returned from the Mexico border, where troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol were seen taking part in Operation Lone Star, an initiative launched by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2021 to combat illegal immigration.
‘Cautiously very good news:’ Experts say manatee conditions improving in Indian River Lagoon
Read full article: ‘Cautiously very good news:’ Experts say manatee conditions improving in Indian River LagoonManatee conditions are starting to show some signs of improvement in the Indian River Lagoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Your Florida Daily: Flight from Orlando diverted after bomb rumor, experimental manatee feeding program to end
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Flight from Orlando diverted after bomb rumor, experimental manatee feeding program to endA midair scare forced a flight from Orlando to divert to Jacksonville after an argument on board.
Florida once battled the president over Thanksgiving — and helped change it forever
Read full article: Florida once battled the president over Thanksgiving — and helped change it foreverMany people in Florida are gearing up to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday. However, a decades-long fight nearly caused the holiday to be celebrated an entire week later.
Your Florida Daily: Missing woman last seen with attempted murder suspect, P!nk brings ‘banned books’ to Florida tour
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Missing woman last seen with attempted murder suspect, P!nk brings ‘banned books’ to Florida tourThe 37-year-old mother was last seen by her kids Saturday night.
Your Florida Daily: Video shows high-speed chase on I-95, teen arrested months after Ocala school bomb threat
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Video shows high-speed chase on I-95, teen arrested months after Ocala school bomb threatA high-speed chase on I-95 ends with the arrest of a South Florida man accused of stabbing a doctor.
‘They got slung to the side of the boat:’ Body cameras reveal captains’ interviews after Wild Florida airboats crash
Read full article: ‘They got slung to the side of the boat:’ Body cameras reveal captains’ interviews after Wild Florida airboats crashCaptains of two Wild Florida airboats that collided on Cypress Lake in August told investigators they did not see the other boat coming until it was too late.
‘Everyone’s fear just came true:’ Crocodile attacks dog in Satellite Beach
Read full article: ‘Everyone’s fear just came true:’ Crocodile attacks dog in Satellite BeachRobert Pettitt who lives on the Grand Canal said he's now heartbroken for a dog owner in his neighborhood. The FWC said it received the report of the deceased dog in the mouth of the crocodile on Monday.
Florida officials ID boat captain killed in lightning strike in Brevard
Read full article: Florida officials ID boat captain killed in lightning strike in BrevardA boat captain is dead and another person injured after a suspected lightning strike in Brevard County at Pineda Causeway and US-1, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue.
WATCH LIVE: Polk sheriff to update search for 2 adults missing in Winter Haven lake
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Polk sheriff to update search for 2 adults missing in Winter Haven lakeDeputies announced they are conducting a search and recovery mission for two adults on Lake Eloise in Winter Haven on Saturday.
Charges recommended against man who beat shark with hammer on Florida beach, FWC says
Read full article: Charges recommended against man who beat shark with hammer on Florida beach, FWC saysFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is now recommending charges against the man accused of beating a shark with a hammer.
Despite slight decrease, biologists expect manatee deaths to continue into 2023
Read full article: Despite slight decrease, biologists expect manatee deaths to continue into 2023While 2022 did not prove to be as deadly for Florida’s manatees as 2021, researchers said the animals are still in trouble, especially in the Indian River Lagoon.
Oh deer: FWC rescues ‘buck stuck’ on its property after Hurricane Ian
Read full article: Oh deer: FWC rescues ‘buck stuck’ on its property after Hurricane IanThe Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had to rescue a white-tailed deer that was stuck on a part of its property after Hurricane Ian.
Video of man stabbing shark in head on New Smyrna Beach stuns some. Here’s why it’s legal in Florida
Read full article: Video of man stabbing shark in head on New Smyrna Beach stuns some. Here’s why it’s legal in FloridaA video of two men dragging a shark across the New Smyrna Beach shore and stabbing it in the head surfaced Saturday, leaving many social media users stunned and questioning the legality of the practice.
Wildlife officials to boaters: Remember not to hit any manatees this holiday weekend
Read full article: Wildlife officials to boaters: Remember not to hit any manatees this holiday weekendMemorial Day weekend is considered by some to be the unofficial start of summer and, by no coincidence, a great time to get back in the water. Unfortunately, according to conservationists and wildlife officials, manatees have similar plans.
FWC, Coast Guard, sheriff’s office search for fisherman who went overboard off Brevard coast
Read full article: FWC, Coast Guard, sheriff’s office search for fisherman who went overboard off Brevard coastA search is underway for a Malabar man who went overboard while fishing with friends off the coast of Melbourne Beach, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Here’s how non-native animals can pose a real threat to Florida wildlife
Read full article: Here’s how non-native animals can pose a real threat to Florida wildlifeOn this week’s edition of Florida’s Fourth Estate, hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin take a walk on the wild side and look closer at some of the more unusual creatures found slithering, climbing, hopping, running or burrowing in Florida.
Florida hits boating benchmark with 1M registered vessels, FWC says
Read full article: Florida hits boating benchmark with 1M registered vessels, FWC saysThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Friday that Florida has passed the mark of 1 million registered recreational vessels.
FWC focus on Indian River Lagoon as feeding efforts continue to save manatees
Read full article: FWC focus on Indian River Lagoon as feeding efforts continue to save manateesFlorida, Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission workers along with other organizations said they are hoping the warm weather will help with manatee mortality in the state.
Orphaned manatee calf rescued in Brevard County, FWC says
Read full article: Orphaned manatee calf rescued in Brevard County, FWC saysAn orphaned manatee calf was transported to SeaWorld for care after it was found at the Cape Canaveral Clean Energy Center in Brevard County, according to The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
Invasive tegu lizards thriving in South Florida, moving upstate, FWC says
Read full article: Invasive tegu lizards thriving in South Florida, moving upstate, FWC saysThe Argentine black and white tegu is multiplying and mobilizing in the backwoods and backyards of the Sunshine State — a creature more ominous than pythons because of its cold hardiness and indiscriminate palate.
FWC asks state for $7 million as manatee deaths spike in Florida
Read full article: FWC asks state for $7 million as manatee deaths spike in FloridaThe latest data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission shows 968 manatees have died this year in Florida and the majority have been in the Indian River Lagoon.
Video: Emaciated manatee in Titusville appears to search desperately for food
Read full article: Video: Emaciated manatee in Titusville appears to search desperately for foodRibs jutting out from its side, the manatee appears to be starving in the video shot by Dana Pinnick at Manatee Hammock Campground in Titusville.
‘You conch touch this:’ Woman caught with 5 queen conchs with live animals inside, FWC says
Read full article: ‘You conch touch this:’ Woman caught with 5 queen conchs with live animals inside, FWC saysA woman was caught with five queen conchs with live animals still inside, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation.
3 arrested on attempted murder charges after ATV attack on Florida wildlife officer
Read full article: 3 arrested on attempted murder charges after ATV attack on Florida wildlife officerPOLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County authorities have arrested a third person after a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer was run over by an ATV during a Saturday night confrontation, officials said. The officer was patrolling the Avon Park Bombing Range when, officials said, he spotted three people shining a spotlight into the Avon Park Bombing Range property. When the officer approached the individuals, a scuffle broke out, according to sheriff’s officials. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the assailants ran over the officer as they fled the scene. Rodrigo Alberto Mato La Rosa was apprehended in South Florida and also faces a charge of attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.
Manatee mystery: Sea cow found decapitated in Florida
Read full article: Manatee mystery: Sea cow found decapitated in FloridaMIAMI – A manatee mystery has South Florida officials scratching their heads after one of the gentle sea cows was found dead, WPLG-TV reported. “I came over here and I see this giant manatee without a head,” Mahomar told Local 10. “Salinity control structures closing on manatees was the second leading cause of deaths of manatees in the state of Florida,” said Silverstein. Now, as those gates are closing, if it detects the presence of a manatee those gates are supposed to stop. That leads to a question of whether those sensors were working at the time the manatee Mahomar found was crushed.
Reward offered for help identifying boat involved in hit-and-run on Lake Monroe
Read full article: Reward offered for help identifying boat involved in hit-and-run on Lake MonroeSEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering a $5,000 reward for information about a fatal boating crash that happened in May. According to Chad Weber, of the FWC, a 43-year-old man on his personal watercraft was hit by a fishing boat around 10:30 a.m. on May 23 on Lake Monroe near channel marker 6. Weber said witnesses reported seeing a fishing boat hit a personal watercraft and then leaving the area. FWC said two good Samaritan vessels stopped to help the victim and brought him back to the Wayside boat ramp. Authorities said the boat may have front end damage or have black paint transferred on it from the crash.
Heres when you can go saltwater fishing without a license
Read full article: Heres when you can go saltwater fishing without a licenseOn Saturday, Sept. 5, you can go saltwater fishing without a license. Its one of eight days of license-free fishing in 2020 offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. License-free fishing days are a great way for Florida residents and visitors to get out on the water and find out why Florida is known as the Fishing Capital of the World. The only remaining license-free fishing day n 2020 is the Saturday following Thanksgiving and it applies to saltwater fishing as well. For fishing regulations and tips, click here and to renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Girl struck by boat in Cocoa Beach hit-and-run, FWC says
Read full article: Girl struck by boat in Cocoa Beach hit-and-run, FWC saysCOCOA BEACH, Fla. – Update 2:40 p.m.Officials have located the person who was involved in the hit-and-run. The young swimmer was hit at 12:21 p.m. and the vessel left the scene, according to the FWC. FWC officers and deputies with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office were searching for the boat. Around 10:30 p.m., FWC officials said they located the person involved. Authorities did not provide a description of the boat or the girl’s condition.
Floridas Gulf red snapper fishing season starts this week
Read full article: Floridas Gulf red snapper fishing season starts this weekAnglers will be excited to learn the 2020 Gulf red snapper season starts Thursday in Florida. For-hire operation red snapper fishing began June 1 and runs until Aug. 1 this year. State Reef Fish Anglers will help improve recreational data for several reef fish species such snapper, grouper and hogfish, according to FWCs website. In July, the Atlantic federal red snapper season opens in federal waters on July 10, 11, 12 and 17. Fishing for red snapper in state waters, which is 3 nautical miles from shore, is open year-round, according to FWC.
FWC seeks information in fatal hit-and-run on Lake Monroe
Read full article: FWC seeks information in fatal hit-and-run on Lake MonroeFWC seeks information in fatal hit-and-run on Lake MonroePublished: May 24, 2020, 6:46 pmThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking for the public's help as it seeks information about a hit-and-run that occurred on Lake Monroe.
Hit-and-run: Lake Mary man killed when boat strikes personal watercraft on Lake Monroe
Read full article: Hit-and-run: Lake Mary man killed when boat strikes personal watercraft on Lake MonroeAccording to Chad Weber with FWC, the boating accident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday on Lake Monroe near channel marker 6. "FWC is trying to piece together what took place," Weber said. Weber said witnesses reported seeing a fishing boat hit a personal watercraft and then leave the area. FWC said two good Samaritan vessels stopped to help the victim and brought him back to Wayside boat ramp. Weber said FWC officers are following up on leads, but they face several challenges to solve this hit and run.
Crews work to rescue manatee with tire stuck around its belly
Read full article: Crews work to rescue manatee with tire stuck around its bellyCrews work to rescue manatee with tire stuck around its bellyPublished: December 10, 2019, 1:52 pmCrews in Volusia County are working to capture a manatee stuck in a tire, according to wildlife officials.
Pictures show rescued manatee arriving at SeaWorld
Read full article: Pictures show rescued manatee arriving at SeaWorldORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld came to the rescue by caring for an orphaned manatee calf that was reported last week by a good Samaritan in Daytona Beach. Staff from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Volusia County Stranding Team, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation arrived at the Halifax Harbor Marina to rescue the 64-pound, 4-foot animal with a hoop net. The calf was then taken to SeaWorld in Orlando, where the orphaned mammal is receiving special attention. According to FWC, manatees range throughout Florida waters, and the major threats to the endangered species include death from human-related causes and habitat loss.