WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The body of the 13th Florida panther to be struck and killed by a vehicle in southwest Florida this year was found Tuesday.
Read More »Florida Panther Killed By Vehicle, 17th Death This Year
State Looks For More Hunters, Anglers
The number of people buying hunting and fishing licenses hasn't kept pace with population growth in the state, and wildlife officials are concerned that could impact the future management of public lands. Wildlife officials say they need more hunters and anglers to help cover costs of running state programs.
Read More »Florida Opens Large Stretch Of Gulf Coast For Scalloping
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission opened an area from St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to the Pasco and Hernando County line to recreational scalloping over the weekend.
Read More »This High School Senior’s Family Was Deported During A Trip To The Beach
In June, Sebastian will graduate high school and enlist into the United States Marines Corps, but his family won’t be there to watch.
Read More »Reptile Handler’s Apprentice Charged In Escape Of Ocala Pet Cobra
The apprentice to a reptile handler has been charged with a misdemeanor weeks after a tan and yellow monocle cobra escaped from its enclosure in an Ocala home.
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 »State Ready To Take Another Look At Bears
Florida game officials will get an update next week on the state's growing black bear population, a discussion animal-rights supporters contend is a first step toward holding a hunt later this year.
Read More »Vegetation, Alligators At Lochloosa Lake Have Homeowner Worried
After a 2012 drought, Alachua County's Lochaloosa Lake water levels dropped, and resident Marc Wilson noticed new vegetation taking over the shoreline. He's now wrestling with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to get it cleaned up.
Read More »Rain Pulls North Central Florida Out Of Severe Drought
This week's rainfall has pulled all of North Central Florida out of severe drought, but some areas remain in a moderate drought.
Read More »Explore Florida: A Geocaching Challenge
Newberry’s Bell Ridge Longleaf Wildlife and Environmental Area doesn’t usually have a lot of guests, evidenced by the lack of footprints and overgrowth of grass on its trails. But this year may see a significant increase in attendance for a unique reason. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating …
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