Deputies then discovered a 28-inch Arapaima in a gray plastic tote that had been fitted with a battery-operated air pump, officials said. The species is native to South America and one of that size is worth $1,000, the affidavit states.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Marine specialists currently are in a Florida lake assessing a shark that was spotted Friday. The Hollywood Police Department posted on its social media accounts to warn locals of the shark and how to stay safe. Police said the shark was spotted about 50 yards away from the Hollywood Marina.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released its preliminary report on manatee mortality for 2024, revealing significant trends.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued an update on red tide conditions, reporting the detection of the harmful algal bloom organism Karenia brevis in 60 samples collected from Southwest Florida over the past week.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sharing reminders about what to do when seeing wildlife impacted by the colder weather.

Flamingos, known for their vibrant pink feathers and long legs, have a notable history in Florida and could become its state bird.

Nearly 2,000 Florida manatees died in 2021 and 2022. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the sea cows’ plight does not fit the definition of endangered.

A proposal has been filed that would lead to the flamingo being designated as Florida’s bird. A separate proposal would ask young people what they think.

Watercraft manatee deaths were up in 2024 as 96 sea cows were hit and killed by vessels in the Sunshine State. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or FWC, is reporting that 565 manatee deaths were recorded by the state agency last year.

As American crocodile populations have risen in recent decades, the threatened reptiles have made their way into suburban canals, adapting to the human environment as best they can.

After a proposal re-emerged to replace the mockingbird as Florida’s state bird, Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, wants wildlife officials to ask young people what they think.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is pushing to protect the sea cow population by separating classification of the species.