When I first joined Extension, my advisory committee indicated that water quality was a major issue. When I asked what about our water was most concerning, they responded with fish kills and health advisories. As we have read in previous ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water
Breeding is a major part of all animal life cycles, and this is no different for rattlesnakes. Like other reptiles there are separate sexes, and internal fertilization is the rule. For this to happen, during breeding season males must find ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
All animals have a thermal range within which they can survive. For some it is very small range, for others it is amazingly large. Whatever their range is, they function best near the upper portion of it. “Warm blooded” animals (endotherms) ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Ever notice the little air bubbles that form in the wet sand after a wave retreats? These are created by thousands of coquina clams buried just under the sand. When covered by an incoming wave, they open their shells to feed and clap closed ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, WildlifeThough encounters with Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are rare, bites from them are even more rare, and deaths from those bites almost nonexistent, it is worth discussing the issues and remedies of a bite. About 8000 people are bitten ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Almost everyone has heard of red tides and know they periodically occur off the coast of Florida. The more frequent events occur off southwest Florida between Tampa and the Keys, but they have occurred in other parts of the state. When ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, WildlifeIt is understood that rattlesnakes are carnivores and will select some form of meat for their food. The general principle is to select something that is easy to kill and requires less energy to do so. Most rattlesnakes will select rodents ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
In 2025 Florida Sea Grant trained 100 residents from Escambia and Santa Rosa County to survey for nesting horseshoe crabs in the Pensacola Bay area. Of those 21 (21%) participated in at least one survey. The objective of this project is ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Formed at the edge of freshwater and salt, dense forest and open water, scrubby dune and open marsh, the diversity along and within coastal dune lakes is tremendous. Coastal dune lakes are shallow, irregularly shaped, permanent bodies of ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
When you think of self-defense in the natural world, it’s normal to lean towards the animal kingdom. Between their intimidating teeth, claws, horns, and venom, animals can hold their own in a physical battle for dominance or survival. But ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources