WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Chosen from 1000 candidates, snake hunters will help eliminate the Burmese python invading the Florida everglades.
Read More »South Florida Water Management Department Hires 25 Burmese Python Hunters
“Photo Ark” Photographer Joel Sartore Talks Tree Frogs, Turtles and Tarantulas
National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, the founder of "Photo Ark," an effort to take portraits of every species on Earth, recently visited UF’s Florida Museum of Natural History to photograph insects and celebrate the museum’s 100th anniversary, Sartore sat down with UF environmental journalist-in-residence Cynthia Barnett and conservation photographers Jennifer Adler and Ryan Jones.
Read More »As Alligator Activity Increases, Officials Give Tips On Avoiding Conflicts
With rising spring temperatures, wildlife officials are warning of increased activity from the American alligator — and they're giving tips for how to avoid conflicts: swimming in designated areas, keeping dogs on leashes, and maintaining a distance when an alligator is spotted.
Read More »To Help Farmers, Marion County Appoints Agricultural Deputy
The Marion County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday that it will be assigning a deputy to just agricultural duties, such as assisting with missing or loose livestock, helping the county's animal-control employees and investigating stolen farm equipment.
Read More »In Photos: Gainesville Celebrates Sustainable Lifestyles At VegFest
Gainesville's first VegFest, hosted at Westside park on Saturday afternoon, attracted families, vendors, activists, animal lovers and vegan food enthusiasts while raising awareness about the benefits and long-lasting effects of plant-based diets on the environment, human health and animal welfare.
Read More »Tiny House Tour Showcases Sustainability
Two Florida residents on tour in their "tiny home" stopped in Gainesville last Friday, promoting their non-profit The Creative Animal Foundation and sustainability. The pair travels the country, speaking at schools and events to educate students about living sustainably while documenting their adventures on their YouTube channel.
Read More »Florida Senate Passes Bill To Allow Therapy Animals In Court
The Senate passed a bill unanimously Thursday that will allow therapy animals in court for children testifying in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases. The bill now needs only Florida Gov. Rick Scott's signature to become state law.
Read More »At Alachua County Ranch, Exotic Animals Give Couple Purpose
An exotic-animal ranch in Alachua County — which provides a home for Henry the Indian rhino, Sugarbear the redruffed lemur, Mocha the cougar and many other animals — a former horse racing couple have found their lives' calling. Read more about them on WUFT.org.
Read More »Florida House OKs Therapy Animals For Children In Court
Children testifying in court in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases would be allowed the help of therapy animals under a bill passed Thursdays by the Florida House.
Read More »Florida Farmer Believes Beef Consumption Is Thriving Despite Reported Decline
Is beef still on America's dinner table? Despite a new Natural Resources Defense Council's study that found Americans consumed 19 percent less beef from 2005-2014, a local farmer has a different perspective on beef consumption.
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