Video of man stabbing shark in head on New Smyrna Beach stuns some. Here’s why it’s legal in Florida
A video of two men dragging a shark across the New Smyrna Beach shore and stabbing it in the head surfaced Saturday, leaving many social media users stunned and questioning the legality of the practice.
Wildlife officials to boaters: Remember not to hit any manatees this holiday weekend
Memorial Day weekend is considered by some to be the unofficial start of summer and, by no coincidence, a great time to get back in the water. Unfortunately, according to conservationists and wildlife officials, manatees have similar plans.
Here’s how non-native animals can pose a real threat to Florida wildlife
On this week’s edition of Florida’s Fourth Estate, hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin take a walk on the wild side and look closer at some of the more unusual creatures found slithering, climbing, hopping, running or burrowing in Florida.
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3 arrested on attempted murder charges after ATV attack on Florida wildlife officer
POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County authorities have arrested a third person after a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer was run over by an ATV during a Saturday night confrontation, officials said. The officer was patrolling the Avon Park Bombing Range when, officials said, he spotted three people shining a spotlight into the Avon Park Bombing Range property. When the officer approached the individuals, a scuffle broke out, according to sheriff’s officials. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the assailants ran over the officer as they fled the scene. Rodrigo Alberto Mato La Rosa was apprehended in South Florida and also faces a charge of attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.
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Manatee mystery: Sea cow found decapitated in Florida
MIAMI – A manatee mystery has South Florida officials scratching their heads after one of the gentle sea cows was found dead, WPLG-TV reported. “I came over here and I see this giant manatee without a head,” Mahomar told Local 10. “Salinity control structures closing on manatees was the second leading cause of deaths of manatees in the state of Florida,” said Silverstein. Now, as those gates are closing, if it detects the presence of a manatee those gates are supposed to stop. That leads to a question of whether those sensors were working at the time the manatee Mahomar found was crushed.
Reward offered for help identifying boat involved in hit-and-run on Lake Monroe
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering a $5,000 reward for information about a fatal boating crash that happened in May. According to Chad Weber, of the FWC, a 43-year-old man on his personal watercraft was hit by a fishing boat around 10:30 a.m. on May 23 on Lake Monroe near channel marker 6. Weber said witnesses reported seeing a fishing boat hit a personal watercraft and then leaving the area. FWC said two good Samaritan vessels stopped to help the victim and brought him back to the Wayside boat ramp. Authorities said the boat may have front end damage or have black paint transferred on it from the crash.
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Heres when you can go saltwater fishing without a license
On Saturday, Sept. 5, you can go saltwater fishing without a license. Its one of eight days of license-free fishing in 2020 offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. License-free fishing days are a great way for Florida residents and visitors to get out on the water and find out why Florida is known as the Fishing Capital of the World. The only remaining license-free fishing day n 2020 is the Saturday following Thanksgiving and it applies to saltwater fishing as well. For fishing regulations and tips, click here and to renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
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Girl struck by boat in Cocoa Beach hit-and-run, FWC says
COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Update 2:40 p.m.Officials have located the person who was involved in the hit-and-run. The young swimmer was hit at 12:21 p.m. and the vessel left the scene, according to the FWC. FWC officers and deputies with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office were searching for the boat. Around 10:30 p.m., FWC officials said they located the person involved. Authorities did not provide a description of the boat or the girl’s condition.
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Floridas Gulf red snapper fishing season starts this week
Anglers will be excited to learn the 2020 Gulf red snapper season starts Thursday in Florida. For-hire operation red snapper fishing began June 1 and runs until Aug. 1 this year. State Reef Fish Anglers will help improve recreational data for several reef fish species such snapper, grouper and hogfish, according to FWCs website. In July, the Atlantic federal red snapper season opens in federal waters on July 10, 11, 12 and 17. Fishing for red snapper in state waters, which is 3 nautical miles from shore, is open year-round, according to FWC.
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FWC seeks information in fatal hit-and-run on Lake Monroe
FWC seeks information in fatal hit-and-run on Lake MonroePublished: May 24, 2020, 6:46 pmThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking for the public's help as it seeks information about a hit-and-run that occurred on Lake Monroe.
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Hit-and-run: Lake Mary man killed when boat strikes personal watercraft on Lake Monroe
According to Chad Weber with FWC, the boating accident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday on Lake Monroe near channel marker 6. "FWC is trying to piece together what took place," Weber said. Weber said witnesses reported seeing a fishing boat hit a personal watercraft and then leave the area. FWC said two good Samaritan vessels stopped to help the victim and brought him back to Wayside boat ramp. Weber said FWC officers are following up on leads, but they face several challenges to solve this hit and run.
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Pictures show rescued manatee arriving at SeaWorld
ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld came to the rescue by caring for an orphaned manatee calf that was reported last week by a good Samaritan in Daytona Beach. Staff from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Volusia County Stranding Team, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation arrived at the Halifax Harbor Marina to rescue the 64-pound, 4-foot animal with a hoop net. The calf was then taken to SeaWorld in Orlando, where the orphaned mammal is receiving special attention. According to FWC, manatees range throughout Florida waters, and the major threats to the endangered species include death from human-related causes and habitat loss.