WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
After controversial 2015 statewide bear hunt, the number of bear-related calls has decreased. The drop came despite human and bear population growing the last 10 years.
Read More »Bear Found In Williston Backyard Leaves Residents Cautious
A black bear cub, believed to be one of three cubs recently released into the Goethe State Forest was sighted in a Williston woman's backyard over the weekend.
Read More »Florida Paddlers May Have To Pay To Play
Florida outdoor enthusiasts may soon have to pay to paddle on state waterways. A citizen panel will meet in Orlando tonight to discuss whether or not they will be asking for registration of non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes and paddle boards in the state of Florida.
Read More »UPDATE: Body Of Man In Interlachen Boat Accident Found
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office hasn't been able to locate a man who went missing after a boat accident this morning on Lake Grandin in Interlachen.
Read More »Counties Receive Funding To Stop Bear Prowling
Florida wildlife officials are sending $825,000 to local governments so residents can have secured trash cans that will cut back on the number of bears prowling neighborhoods.
Read More »Florida Panther Death Toll Rises To 34
Officials say 34 panthers have been killed this year on Florida roads, up from 30 killed from vehicle collisions in 2015.
Read More »To Protect 2 Bat Species, Withlacoochee Forest To Close Caves
The six caves — all in a roughly 3-acre area — were selected because they're home to two species of bats: the Southeastern myotis and the tricolored bat.
Read More »3 Injured When Boat Fire Sparks Explosion At Florida Marina
Authorities say three people are recovering from their injuries after a boat fire sparked an explosion at a north Florida marina.
Read More »Two Boaters Hospitalized For Injuries In Black Creek Boating Accident
A boating accident occurred on Black Creek about a quarter of a mile northeast of the Mariner’s Road boat ramp in Green Cove Springs.
Read More »New Study On Bear Demographics May Help Determine Future Bear Hunt
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has began a three-year study to collect data on bear population demographics in northwest Florida, which will help inform decisions about future bear hunts.
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