Fuzzy rabbits invade Florida community
Florida’s latest invasive species comes a-hoppin’ down the street: lionhead rabbits. The bunnies, which sport an impressive flowing mane around their heads, want the food Griggs carries. But she also represents their best chance of survival and moving where this domesticated breed belongs: inside homes, away from cars, cats, hawks, Florida heat and possibly government-hired exterminators.
Good Times Dog Bar in Flagler Beach
A new dog park and cocktail bar combo has opened in Flagler Beach. The Good Times Dog Bar is a private, off-leash dog park that serves beer, wine, cocktails, and food.
'Beautiful' rainbow snake spotted in Florida
A man recently spotted a rainbow snake slithering along the shoreline of Black Creek in northern Florida. In his 41 years of living in the Sunshine State, Thomas Holloway who took a video of the snake, said it was the first one he's ever seen.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium dolphin dies
The staff at Clearwater Marine Aquarium is grieving the loss of another dolphin. Four-year-old Apollo died Monday, CMA said, after fighting gastrointestinal discomfort since March. He’s the fifth dolphin to die at the aquarium in the last 19 months and the third just this year.
Bear takes up residence in Lake Eola Park
A young black bear has been spotted in some trees at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando doing what bears seemingly do best – sleeping, observing, and occasionally some climbing.
Tiger, liger escape during tornado: 'Worst nightmare'
The zookeeper who was tasked with finding and sedating a tiger and a liger that broke free during a tornado is sharing her wild story. An 8-year-old white tiger named Athena and a 7-year-old liger named Nika roamed around the Wild Animal Safari after Sunday’s tornado in Troup County busted open their enclosure.
Pet 7-foot gator removed from Texas home
Texas Game Wardens and zoo staff captured and removed a 7-foot-long alligator from a Texas home. The woman raised it as a pet.
Florida's prohibited reptiles: Group files motion against rules
The United States Association of Reptile Keepers, Florida, recently filed a motion against the state that, if approved, would repeal Florida’s rule restricting reptile ownership.
Owl on mend after rescue from storm shutter
An owl is on the mend after getting stuck in a storm shutter in Miami Gardens, and rescuing the bird out of there was no easy task. It took several minutes to free the owl with the homeowner's help. They placed the bird in a kennel and took it to the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station in Miami. The owl is now being treated for a broken foot.
Dog vs shark: Standoff thrills tourists on Bahamas boat tour
The sight of a massive hammerhead shark was a rare treat for 32 travelers on a tour boat in the Bahamas this week. But then, something stranger still: A dog dove from a nearby dock to confront the monstrous sea creature.
Puppy grams for Valentine's Day
A Florida animal shelter is offering up "puppy grams" for Valentine's Day. This is the second year that Nate's Honor Animal Rescue in Bradenton has offered visits with a puppy at the workplace in exchange for a donation to the rescue.
Florida man fights off bobcat to save dog
An Orlando, Florida man fought off a bobcat when it attacked his dog. Paul Broadhurst said he was walking his daughter's dog, Koda, Saturday morning in Orlando when a bobcat attacked them.
Chiefs or Eagles in Super Bowl: Orlando Science Center animals make their picks
Who will win Super Bowl LVII, the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles? The Orlando Science Center put some of its animals to the test. See who Captain, the macaw; Memphis, the skunk, and Poppy, the chinchilla, picked to win Super Bowl 2023.
Dozen of cats abandoned along I-75 in Florida
Twenty-six cats were found abandoned along Interstate 75 in Florida. The cats are being cared for by the St. Francis Animal Rescue which said they were cold, hungry, confused, and endangered by passing vehicles on the highway. They're all being evaluated to see which will be good pets or good outdoor worker cats.
Manatee raising rare twin calves at Blue Spring State Park
Researchers have confirmed a manatee mother is raising twin calves at Blue Spring State Park. Manatee twins are incredibly rare, they said. The Save the Manatee Club has been tracking their mother, Estelle, and her visits to Blue Spring since 2019. Both calves are In good health.
Invasive iguanas may be adapting to cold in Florida
When it gets cold in South Florida, the National Weather Service will often issue warnings about falling iguanas. Ongoing research suggests Florida’s falling iguana phenomenon could be rarer in the future — both due to climbing global temperatures from unchecked climate change and a shift in cold hardiness in the lizards themselves.
Pups take center stage at Florida canine costume contest
Wondering what to do around Central Florida this weekend? While Halloween may be over, the holiday fun continues with Franklin's Friends Howl-O-Ween dog walkathon and costume contest.
Florida therapy dogs to support grieving families in Texas
Families grieving from the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas will be getting a visit from comfort dogs from Central Florida.
Florida panther killed in Polk County marks 11 deaths since start of 2022
A Florida Panther was killed on Polk Parkway near Auburndale, marking the 11th killed in the state since January.
Incurable parasite found in Cuban tree frog
University of Florida researchers report that the rat lungworm parasite, which can cause deadly disease in humans and in animals, has been found in a new host in Florida with its discovery in Cuban treefrogs, an invasive species.