Diamondback terrapins are the only resident turtle within brackish water and estuarine systems. Their range extends from Massachusetts to Texas but, prior to 2005, their existence in the Florida panhandle was undocumented. The Panhandle ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Since last year we have been logging reports from area residents of snake encounters. The purpose of this is education. We are learning which species people most frequently encounter, what time of year different species are encountered, ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
Two weeks ago, I saw my first foxes in the wild. A week and a half ago, I saw my first fox squirrel (Sciurus niger)! While unrelated, the ecology geek in me loved the unlikely coincidence. I saw the fox squirrel as we were leading a kayaking ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WildlifeWe finally got the spring snake watch data complied. The Pensacola Bay Area Snake Watch Project is one where citizens report snake sightings from around the bay area. They report species, location, and time of year. There are 40 different ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
I recently wrote an article introducing some to a panhandle turtle that is not as well-known as most – the map turtles. This week I am going to write about another lesser-known species – the chicken turtle. Some may say “is there ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
Florida has a great variety of turtles. Actually, the species richness here is higher than any other state – though Alabama may argue. Many are familiar to us. If we have not seen them, we have at least heard of them. But that may ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
Homeowners may consider growing Frogfruit as a companion plant in turf areas. Learn the qualities of this groundcover with UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. https://youtu.be/9tHy6c7HG8w READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Wildlife“I can’t do what? – because of a mouse? – it’s only a mouse.” This was a comment made by many who lived on Perdido Key when a small beach mouse found only there was added to the endangered species list. It is a comment heard ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife
In 1973 the United States Congress passed the Endangered Species Act. Controversial at the time, and still is today, the law was designed to help protect, and possibly restore, species that were near extinction within the boundaries of the ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WildlifeMy wife and I like to sit on our back porch and watch the sunset each day. We do not make all of them, but we try to make as many as we can. We often see small bats darting in all directions feeding on bugs. Recently we were enjoying a ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Wildlife