WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Commercial breeding of tegus and green iguanas will not be immediately banned but phased out until June 30, 2024.
Read More »Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission Tightens Restrictions On Non-Native Reptiles
Hurricane Sally Carved New Possible Nesting Sites For Endangered Shorebirds
Though a grave for destroyed wild plants, the pearly smooth sand left behind has an upside: It presents perfect nesting sites for the region’s shorebirds.
Read More »Florida to Ban Dumping Blood Off Beaches to Lure Sharks
Florida is preparing a new statewide ban on the practice by fishermen along the state’s iconic beaches of dumping bloody fish guts into the ocean to lure sharks closer to shore – and possibly closer to swimmers and waders. Land-based anglers say the ban threatens long traditions of shark fishing and penalizes fishermen who can’t afford their own boats or expensive charters.
Read More »FWC: Suspects Used Dogs To Attack Florida Black Bears
Nine people face animal-cruelty charges and other allegations after a year-long investigation into the use of dogs to attack Florida black bears, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Wednesday.
Read More »How Will $100 Million A Year In New State Funding For Land Conservation Affect Alachua County?
With $100 million a year Florida has budgeted for land acquisition and conservation, Alachua County could have the funding to buy 13,351 acres of land for future parks.
Read More »State’s Tab For Irma Already Mounting
Florida has preliminarily outlined more than $273 million in Hurricane Irma costs for federal reimbursement, with the money primarily used for storm preparation and debris removal.
Read More »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 »State Weighs Concerns About Cobia In Gulf
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in a meeting Monday that focused heavily on fishery issues, backed a draft proposal that would reduce the number of cobia that can be caught per day in Gulf waters north of the Collier-Monroe County line.
Read More »State Biologists Back A ‘More Conservative’ Bear Hunt
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission considering four options to about the future management of Florida black bears,
Read More »Seminole Commissioners Take Aim At Bear Hunt
Seminole County commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday asking the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to reinstate a ban on bear hunting in Florida. The resolution also asks the state agency to maintain a focus on "reducing human-bear conflicts through deterrent techniques and habitat management."
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