Lake Harris boating incident under investigation after body recovered
Lake Harris boating incident under investigation after body recovered
Florida man kept 111 geckos locked in a storage unit that was later abandoned, officials say
A former licensed reptile dealer has been sentenced after more than 100 exotic reptiles were found abandoned in a storage unit in 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
Otter bites person at Wekiva Island; FWC searching for animal
A person was bitten by an otter at Wekiva Island on May 29, prompting a response from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), officials said.
Florida moves closer to reinstating black bear hunting with new rule proposal
On Wednesday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved proposed black bear hunting rule changes for public notice, moving forward with talks on bringing back regulated bear hunts.
Polk Co. Sheriff issues alligator advisory, sign installed after back-to-back attacks
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has issued an alligator advisory and installed a sign for the Tiger Creek area following back-to-back attacks.
Florida announces longest Gulf red snapper recreational season in state history
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the 2025 Gulf red snapper recreational fishing season will be the longest in the state’s history, spanning 126 days between summer and fall, during a news conference in Destin Monday.
Florida angler attempts to save great blue heron ensnared in fishing line
A Central Florida angler spotted a great blue heron entangled in fishing line at Herschel King Park.
FWC to hold virtual public meetings on black bear hunting proposals
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled a series of virtual public meetings to gather feedback on proposed regulations for black bear hunting in the state.
Brevard County man charged with 20 misdemeanors for prohibited reptile violations
A Brevard County man faces 20 misdemeanor charges after authorities discovered multiple prohibited reptile species in his possession, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Bear hunt backlash: FWC to hear public comment on first proposed bear hunt in 10 years
The controversial topic of bear hunting is back up for discussion in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a virtual public meeting to gauge the public’s interest in hosting their first bear hunt in 10 years.
8-foot alligator bites kayaker in Osceola County, officials say
Police were contacted after a kayaker was bitten by an alligator in Osceola County Monday afternoon.
Small Florida manatee saved by FWC, transported to SeaWorld for cold stress rehabilitation
Updates are released regarding a Florida manatee that was found in a ditch suffering from cold stress.
FWC recovers stolen historic gold coins from 1715 shipwrecks, files charges against suspect
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recovered 37 gold coins that were stolen from the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks.
Kangaroo missing for weeks in Volusia County found safe, owner cited for 'improper caging': FWC
A missing kangaroo that had been hopping around Volusia County for weeks after escaping its enclosure during a bear encounter was found Wednesday and brought back home, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The animal's owner was also cited for multiple violations, including improper caging.
Sailboat runs aground near Sea Colony in Flagler County; owner unharmed
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) Marine Unit responded to a sailboat that ran aground near Sea Colony on Tuesday after a mechanical issue left the vessel reliant solely on sail power.
Beached manatee stranded after Hurricane Helene, rescued by FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Mammal Rescue team responded to a call from MacDill Air Force Base on Saturday, where a stranded manatee was found near the end of the base’s main runway.
Reptile industry on edge after accidental killing of pregnant boa constrictor
Video of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission accidentally killing a man’s legally-owned pregnant boa constrictor, worth about $100,000, has the reptile industry in Florida on edge.
FWC hosts tournament to harvest invasive lionfish for a chance to win prizes
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to encourage and award divers that will help thin out an invasive species of fish in our oceans.
FWC investigator Kyle Patterson remembered as 'hero for public safety and conservation'
An investigator with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who was killed in a car crash last week in St. Lucie County is being remembered as a "hero for public safety and conservation."