Shorebird Nesting Season
A seasonal reminder from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to walk softly on Florida's beaches during shorebird nesting season.
Bear, There!
Last Monday, we decided to visit an area behind a familiar trailhead. Sandy had noticed the unlocked gate before, so we decided to check it out. The gate led us to a slightly worn path and then an old sugar sand road. Walking along I noticed small bear …
Seminole Reflections
Returning to the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation for the first time in a decade, I remember my visits of the past and celebrate the present with John with a panther sighting.
Bear encounter at Black Bear Wilderness
Visiting this Seminole County preserve for the first time, a string of excellent wildlife sightings culminates in seeing three bears at the trailhead.
Florida Scrub-Jay Hikes
Natural lands in Florida with known Florida scrub-jay families or pairs that you might glimpse along the trails as you're hiking.
Texting tips to FWC
A new way to let the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission know about things you see – positive or negative – on Florida’s trails is to send them a text. Discover a dead alligator, hog, or bear? Hear shotguns in the woods …
Florida Wildlife
From toothsome alligators to scampering lizards, you will see wildlife while enjoying Florida's outdoors. Here are photos and descriptions of some of the creatures you may encounter along our trails.
Hiker Safety Around Wild Hogs
One of the more fearless creatures you'll encounter in Florida's wilds is the wild hog. Here is advice from Florida Fish & Wildlife on how to cope with hogs.
Bear Safety in Florida
Tips from Florida Fish & Wildlife on how best to manage encounters with Florida black bears, which are becoming more common in certain parts of Florida.
Summer birding at Sunnyhill
Birding at Sunnyhill Restoration is best along the Levee Trail adjoining the Ocklawaha River and in the marshes beyond it. A round-trip walk leads to a purpose-built bird blind in a hot spot.
Endangered giant bat found at Picayune Strand
During their first-ever bat monitoring program at Picayune Strand State Forest, FWC found a rare and endangered species - the bonneted bat, Florida's largest bat.
Bears in Jupiter
Jupiter has bears? Today's the first time I've seen them along a trail: the Longleaf Pine Trail, an interpretive nature trail at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a lovely family escape just south of Indiantown Road near I-95.