INSIDER
Bats in the belfry? The doโs and donโts of humane bat removal during eviction season
Read full article: Bats in the belfry? The doโs and donโts of humane bat removal during eviction seasonThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that fall is the perfect time to evict bats from your home.
Idle Speed/No Wake zone boating restrictions for St. Johns River triggered by Hurricane Milton flooding: FWC
Read full article: Idle Speed/No Wake zone boating restrictions for St. Johns River triggered by Hurricane Milton flooding: FWCThe St. Johns River is one of several rivers across Florida that is still experiencing significant flooding because of Hurricane Milton.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill that makes it easier for people to shoot, kill bears in self-defense
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs bill that makes it easier for people to shoot, kill bears in self-defenseGov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a controversial measure that will bolster self-defense arguments for people who kill bears on their property, while vetoing a bill that would have prevented motorists from cruising in the left lanes of highways.
Spot the difference: Hereโs how to tell an alligator from a crocodile
Read full article: Spot the difference: Hereโs how to tell an alligator from a crocodileFrom afar, it can prove challenging to tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators. So, how can you identify the two? We are here to help!
Fish that washed up along St. Augustine Beach shoreline that caused a strong odor are gone
Read full article: Fish that washed up along St. Augustine Beach shoreline that caused a strong odor are goneThe fish that washed up along the St. Augustine Beach shoreline that caused a strong odor on Saturday are gone from the area.
Flagler officials warn against feeding animals after photo shows children feeding gator
Read full article: Flagler officials warn against feeding animals after photo shows children feeding gatorFlagler County officials warn against feeding alligators and other wildlife after a social media post showed children feeding a gator at Wadsworth Park.
FWC says charges are imminent for teenagers caught on camera dumping trash into ocean in South Florida
Read full article: FWC says charges are imminent for teenagers caught on camera dumping trash into ocean in South FloridaThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said charges are imminent for two teenagers who were on board a boat where they were caught on camera dumping garbage cans into the ocean in South Florida.
Tell Us: What do you think the punishment should be for the boaters who dumped trash into the ocean?
Read full article: Tell Us: What do you think the punishment should be for the boaters who dumped trash into the ocean?The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating an incident involving a group of boaters that was seen dumping trash into the ocean in South Florida over the weekend, according to WPLG.
FWC announces spring license-free freshwater fishing weekend
Read full article: FWC announces spring license-free freshwater fishing weekendThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invites people of all ages and skill levels to its freshwater license-free fishing weekend on April 6 and 7.
Gov. DeSantis to get bill that makes it easier to shoot bears, claim self defense
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis to get bill that makes it easier to shoot bears, claim self defenseA bill passed by the Florida House aims to make it easier for people to shoot bears on their property under the claim of self-defense. The bill would provide self-defense protections to individuals who kill bears, as long as they can reasonably prove that their actions were necessary to prevent imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. Critics argue that the bill is based on fear rather than facts and does not include mechanisms to prevent excessive killings of bears.
FWC unveils interactive website to help explorers find recreation sites near them
Read full article: FWC unveils interactive website to help explorers find recreation sites near themThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is now offering a website that offers an easier way for nature lovers to plan their excursions.
FWC approves rule changes for 2024-25 hunting seasons, new alligator harvest opportunity
Read full article: FWC approves rule changes for 2024-25 hunting seasons, new alligator harvest opportunityThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new rule changes for the 2024-2025 hunting seasons and a new special-use alligator harvest opportunity.
FWC changes bass fishing rules in Alachua lakes to โmake Florida the undisputed trophy bass capital of the worldโ
Read full article: FWC changes bass fishing rules in Alachua lakes to โmake Florida the undisputed trophy bass capital of the worldโThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new regulations to support trophy bass conservation during its February meeting.
2 missing canoers found dead in Hastings
Read full article: 2 missing canoers found dead in HastingsSt. Johns County Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and several other agencies are searching for two missing canoers on a pond on George Miller Road in Hastings Saturday afternoon.
Reminder: Blue crab traps must be removed from St. Johns River before Jan. 16
Read full article: Reminder: Blue crab traps must be removed from St. Johns River before Jan. 16Recreational and commercial blue crab traps in all waters of the St. Johns River system must be removed from the water before Jan. 16, the first day of a 10-day trap closure, the FWC said in a news release Monday.
Report indicates young dolphin seen being held in viral photo may have been sick, expert says
Read full article: Report indicates young dolphin seen being held in viral photo may have been sick, expert saysA necropsy report for the young dolphin seen in a photo being held out of the water by someone last month has been released.
Bear sighting at Disney World forces temporary ride shutdown at park
Read full article: Bear sighting at Disney World forces temporary ride shutdown at parkA bear in a tree at a Walt Disney World park prompted the temporary closure of several rides and attractions, according to News4JAX sister station WKMG.
Itโs International Manatee Day! Go slow and look below
Read full article: Itโs International Manatee Day! Go slow and look belowManatees face many threats, from habitat loss to watercraft collisions, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds anyone on the water to slow down and look out for manatees while boating in Florida.
Photo showing person holding dolphin several feet out of water prompts outrage, investigations
Read full article: Photo showing person holding dolphin several feet out of water prompts outrage, investigationsA photo of a North Florida angler holding a dolphin several feet out of the water is prompting outrage online and investigations by state and federal agencies. A marine biologist told News4JAX his first reaction to seeing that picture was horror. Itโs not clear exactly where that photo was taken but harassing or feeding wild dolphins is against federal law.
Fuzzy invasion of domestic rabbits has a Florida suburb hopping into a hunt for new owners
Read full article: Fuzzy invasion of domestic rabbits has a Florida suburb hopping into a hunt for new ownersA Florida neighborhood is having to deal with a growing group of domestic rabbits on its streets after a breeder illegally let hers loose.
Safety First: The unseen cost of speeding in no-wake zones & what to check before renting a boat
Read full article: Safety First: The unseen cost of speeding in no-wake zones & what to check before renting a boatMeteorologist Katie Garner got a chance to go out with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to see the issues they deal with firsthand on the St. Johns River.
Gone fishinโ: Grouper, hogfish, blueline tilefish & red porgy season reopens on May 1 in Atlantic
Read full article: Gone fishinโ: Grouper, hogfish, blueline tilefish & red porgy season reopens on May 1 in AtlanticThe FWC recently approved regulation changes to red porgy. One of the regulations is a bag limit of one fish per person/day.
Less than a week left to legally block bats from your Florida home before maternity season
Read full article: Less than a week left to legally block bats from your Florida home before maternity seasonIf you've lived in Florida long enough, you know that critters are just part of the equation. From raccoons and birds of all kinds to gopher tortoises, gators and bats. Living in the Sunshine State means sharing our habitat.
Bears? Oh my! How to avoid attracting bears to your neighborhood
Read full article: Bears? Oh my! How to avoid attracting bears to your neighborhoodIt's spring, and that means black bears in Florida will be more active, including moms and their cubs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has some advice to help you avoid bear conflicts.
Woman says family dog was killed by coyote in northern St. Johns County; multiple sightings reported
Read full article: Woman says family dog was killed by coyote in northern St. Johns County; multiple sightings reportedMultiple people on social media have been sharing photos and videos saying theyโve seen coyotes roaming near homes in northern St. Johns County in recent weeks.
Now is time to block bats from getting into your home, FWC says
Read full article: Now is time to block bats from getting into your home, FWC saysBats serve a purpose in Florida's ecosystem, so there are certain times of the year when Florida residents aren't allowed to disturb them. But bat maternity season is over and now is the time to bat proof your home, state wildlife officials say.
FWC passes changes to redfish regulations, management regions
Read full article: FWC passes changes to redfish regulations, management regionsThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved new redfish regulations and management regions for state waters Wednesday, including decreases in per-person bag and vessel limits.
Watch out for nesting birds while youโre celebrating Independence Day weekend
Read full article: Watch out for nesting birds while youโre celebrating Independence Day weekendBefore you head out to the beach to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding beachgoers to protect vulnerable beach-nesting birds while youโre having fun.
Florida wildlife officials preparing to aid manatees after record deaths
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials preparing to aid manatees after record deathsAfter a record number of manatee deaths mostly linked to malnutrition, state and federal wildlife officials hope to double rescue and rehabilitation capacity before the sea cows again congregate in warm waters during the winter.
1 killed when boat collides with dock along Black Creek: FWC
Read full article: 1 killed when boat collides with dock along Black Creek: FWCA boat passenger was ejected and killed Tuesday when the vessel hit a dock along Black Creek in the Lake Asbury area, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
Safe Boating Week: Tips from the FWC to stay safe on the water
Read full article: Safe Boating Week: Tips from the FWC to stay safe on the waterItโs National Safe Boating Week โ and officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are reminding boaters to play it safe on the water.
FWC releases report on teenโs canoeing death in Julington Creek
Read full article: FWC releases report on teenโs canoeing death in Julington CreekNews4JAX on Tuesday obtained a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission into a canoeing accident in Julington Creek, in which a 16-year-old boy died.
Teens got bull shark from stranger, gutted it & stored it at friendโs home before hoisting it from Ponte Vedra High: FWC
Read full article: Teens got bull shark from stranger, gutted it & stored it at friendโs home before hoisting it from Ponte Vedra High: FWCTwo teenagers got a bull shark from a stranger who caught it in Mayport last week and then they gutted it and stored the dead fish with ice overnight at a friendโs house before hoisting it from the rafters at Ponte Vedra High School as a senior prank, according to an incident report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission obtained Wednesday by News4JAX.
FWC: Changes coming for redfish, cobia in state waters; blueline tilefish in Atlantic
Read full article: FWC: Changes coming for redfish, cobia in state waters; blueline tilefish in AtlanticThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved regulation changes for cobia and redfish in state waters and a temporary modification to the 2022 recreational blueline tilefish season in Atlantic state waters.
How you can help shorebirds during nesting season in Florida
Read full article: How you can help shorebirds during nesting season in FloridaWith shorebird and seabird nesting season underway, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission thanks building owners for hosting species such as black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers that nest on their roofs from March through August.
No bait and switch: 2 local lakes among 10 where prized bass are swimming in Florida
Read full article: No bait and switch: 2 local lakes among 10 where prized bass are swimming in FloridaIf youโve got a rod and reel, now is the time to fish them out of the closet -- the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionโs TrophyCatch program is in full swing for the 10th season.
Fisher tries to use cooler trick to sneak snook by wildlife official, FWC says
Read full article: Fisher tries to use cooler trick to sneak snook by wildlife official, FWC saysA fisher tried to outsmart wildlife officials with a tricky cooler to hide illegally caught snook, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
FWC says bird flu is probably in Duval County, but humans at low risk
Read full article: FWC says bird flu is probably in Duval County, but humans at low riskAs โbird fluโ continues to spread across coastal counties in the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said Monday it has identified a presumptive case in Duval County.
Snook slated to reopen in Atlantic state waters Feb. 1
Read full article: Snook slated to reopen in Atlantic state waters Feb. 1Snook reopens for recreational harvest on Feb. 1 in Floridaโs Atlantic coastal and inland waters (from the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line north), including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River.
Tracking Snow Cone: Whale and calf spotted off coast of Ponte Vedra
Read full article: Tracking Snow Cone: Whale and calf spotted off coast of Ponte VedraA team with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed a North Atlantic right whale named โSnow Cone,โ and her calf, are swimming their way through Northeast Florida waters.
Floridaโs invasive tegu lizards survive cold and eat tortoise babies
Read full article: Floridaโs invasive tegu lizards survive cold and eat tortoise babiesThe Argentine black and white tegu is multiplying and mobilizing in the backwoods and backyards of the Sunshine State โ a creature more ominous than pythons because of its cold hardiness and indiscriminate palate.
FWC helps black bear found with plastic container on its head
Read full article: FWC helps black bear found with plastic container on its headA female black bear that had a plastic container stuck on her head for 28 days was freed with the help of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Floridaโs Gulf recreational red snapper quota met; no fall season
Read full article: Floridaโs Gulf recreational red snapper quota met; no fall seasonFloridaโs recreational red snapper quota in Gulf state and federal waters was met during the June 4 through July 28 open season, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Friday.
Florida wildlife officials seek $7M as state grapples with manatee deaths
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials seek $7M as state grapples with manatee deathsThe state is approaching 1,000 manatee deaths this year, from a population estimated around 8,800, with a large number of the deaths linked to poor water quality along the East Coast.
FWC cries โfowlโ on Florida state bird, wants it changed to osprey
Read full article: FWC cries โfowlโ on Florida state bird, wants it changed to ospreyAdd the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to the supporters of doing away with the mockingbird as the state bird during the 2022 legislative session.
FWC offers hunter safety internet-completion course next month
Read full article: FWC offers hunter safety internet-completion course next monthThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering free hunter safety internet-completion courses in seven Northeast Florida counties during September.
Startling statistics: Floridaโs record-breaking manatee deaths โa very sad wake-up callโ
Read full article: Startling statistics: Floridaโs record-breaking manatee deaths โa very sad wake-up callโThough itโs only July, the total number of Florida manatee deaths in 2021 has already reached a higher total than it did in all of 2020, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Florida lawmakers reintroduce bill to fund right whale restoration efforts
Read full article: Florida lawmakers reintroduce bill to fund right whale restoration effortsU.S. Reps. John Rutherford (R-Jacksonville) and Stephanie Murphy (D-Orlando) introduced the Scientific Assistance for Very Endangered (SAVE) Right Whales Act that would invest $5 million annually in grants that states, nonprofits and members of the fishing and marine shipping industries can use to fund research and efforts that restore the North Atlantic right whale population.
Hereโs how anglers can help FWC gather data during Atlantic red snapper season
Read full article: Hereโs how anglers can help FWC gather data during Atlantic red snapper seasonNew this year, biologists will also ask permission to take a small piece of fin tissue from harvested fish for a large-scale genetics study to help estimate the total number of red snapper in the Atlantic population.
Florida wildlife officials see manatees dying at an alarming rate
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials see manatees dying at an alarming rateManatees are having a difficult time in Florida. So far, 819 manatee fatalities have been recorded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through June 25. For perspective, that is 182 more manatee deaths than the total recorded in 2020.
Boaters, food shortages and polution take a toll on manatee population
Read full article: Boaters, food shortages and polution take a toll on manatee populationManatees are having a difficult time in Florida. So far, 749 manatee fatalities have been recorded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through May 21. That is 112 more manatee deaths compared to last year.
Reporter whoโs spent years researching coal ash weighs in on stranded barge
Read full article: Reporter whoโs spent years researching coal ash weighs in on stranded bargeAn investigative reporter in Puerto Rico says heโs witnessed damaging effects that have been blamed on coal ash in his own country.
I-TEAM: Email reveals how much coal ash has leaked from stranded barge
Read full article: I-TEAM: Email reveals how much coal ash has leaked from stranded bargeAn internal email obtained by the News4JAX I-TEAM from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission details how much coal ash has spilled from a leaking barge off the coast of Atlantic Beach.
Memorial Day weekend underway: Experts remind boaters to navigate waters safely
Read full article: Memorial Day weekend underway: Experts remind boaters to navigate waters safelyAccording to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, boating incidents were up 16% in 2020 compared to the previous year.
FWC looking for impaired boaters during Memorial Day Weekend
Read full article: FWC looking for impaired boaters during Memorial Day WeekendItโs the final day of โNational Boating Safety Weekโ and if you plan to get out on the water for the holiday weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a warning for you.
44% of Florida boating accidents in 2020 were due to operator error, stats show
Read full article: 44% of Florida boating accidents in 2020 were due to operator error, stats showOf 836 boating accidents in Florida last year, 402 involved collisions and 44% of those were due to the operatorโs inattention or failing to maintain a proper lookout, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionโs 2020 statistical report.
Freshwater fishing license-free in Florida this weekend
Read full article: Freshwater fishing license-free in Florida this weekendThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says license-free fishing days are a great way for residents and visitors to get out on the water and find out why the state is known as the Fishing Capital of the World.
Itโs sea turtle nesting season, so hereโs how you can help
Read full article: Itโs sea turtle nesting season, so hereโs how you can helpJACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Sea turtle nesting season is upon us and state wildlife officials are reminding Floridians to keep our beaches clear of trash and bright lights that could be harmful to hatchlings. Itโs recommended that they switch off lights or shut their curtains after dark to avoid confusing turtle hatchlings. Besides lighting, another concern for wildlife officials is trash left behind on the beach. Garbage and other discarded items can not only keep sea turtles from nesting, they can create obstacles for turtle hatchlings trying to reach the ocean when they eventually leave their nests. โAs beachgoers, we can all do our part to help sea turtles survive,โ Dr. Robbin Trindell, who heads the FWC sea turtle management program, said.
Florida wildlife officials host scavenger hunts across the state
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials host scavenger hunts across the stateThe Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting a scavenger hunt experience in early May. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A first-of-its-kind scavenger hunt awaits Floridians who want to experience the great outdoors and explore the stateโs scenic wilderness. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host the inaugural Florida WildQuest at seven wildlife management areas (or WMAs) throughout the state including the Guana River Wildlife Management Area in Ponte Vedra Beach. To take part in the scavenger hunt, youโll need to download the free GooseChase app on your smartphone. To learn more about Florida WildQuest and the prizes, visit FloridaNatureTrackers.com.
Rules planned to save right whales loom over lobster fishers
Read full article: Rules planned to save right whales loom over lobster fishersThe North Atlantic right whale numbers only about 360, and scientists have said the animal's small population of breeding females could spell doom for the species. The National Marine Fisheries Service is developing new rules to reduce the possibility of entanglement in fishing gear, which can kill the whales. AdThe coming restrictions have sparked a rancorous debate between environmentalists and lobster fishermen over the proper way to save the whale. It's holding public hearings about the proposed rules in New England, including one for southern Maine on Feb. 23 and one for northern Maine on Feb. 24. AdThe right whales were hunted to near extinction during the commercial whaling era.
Right whale calf fatally struck by boat washes up on Anastasia Island
Read full article: Right whale calf fatally struck by boat washes up on Anastasia IslandANASTASIA ISLAND, Fla. โ A right whale calf washed up Saturday on the shore of Anastasia State Park beach. Crews were studying the right whale calf and prepared to move it off the beach out of the tide zone. โItโs like putting a red light at an intersection or a speed zone at a school zone,โ Hain said. If you see a right whale, you are encouraged to call 877-WHALE HELP. And legally, boats must stay 500 yards from any right whale they spot.