It’s warm here in northwest Florida, which means our cold-blooded reptile friends are on the move. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen a snake at work, one at home, and received snake photos from my neighbors' and parents’ yards. A fear ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
In-A-Pinch Preventative Measures Transfer and Retransfer: A great help to the coonties during the Atalas’ peak munching period is to transfer the bigger caterpillars from the newer growth to older leaves or to a bigger plant that is better ... READ MORE
Category: , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Blog post written by Mandy Baily Celebrate Nature’s Wings and Petals! What do insect wings and flower petals have in common? Both come in an astounding array of colors. Insects and flowers are integral pieces of the natural puzzle that ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
As officials continued to patrol parts of the University of Florida campus where they last spotted a bear Thursday evening, a wildlife ecologist offered advice about staying safe in the event of a bear encounter. (more…) READ MORE
Category: Conservation, UF/IFAS, Wildlife
Florida’s recreational scalloping season begins Saturday with shores off Dixie County and part of Taylor County opening for harvest and those along other Gulf Coast counties soon to follow. (more…) READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Snakes are an integral part of Florida's healthy, well-functioning ecosystems. They help balance populations of rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Some snakes even eat other snakes, as well as some of our ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, WildlifeSnakes are an integral part of Florida's healthy, well-functioning ecosystems. They help balance populations of rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Some snakes even eat other snakes, as well as some of our ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
In the distance, far from my slowly moving vehicle along Myakka River State Park’s main road, tall, strange silhouettes of robust birds were slowly making their way across the asphalt. Their characteristic strut, reddish-heads, and iridescent ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Years ago, we took a family canoe trip down the Suwannee River. It’s a gorgeous place to paddle, with cypress draping over the banks and crystal-clear springs feeding into the main channel. At one point, we heard a splash that sounded ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, Wildlife
John Humphreys had never seen snow in person until he ventured to Buffalo, New York in January — to scuba dive. Just a month later, the 15-year-old Tampa resident and 4-H member was navigating underwater around Antarctic icebergs. (more…) READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, UF/IFAS, Water, Wildlife