Nature and Animals

LOCAL BEEKEEPERS AND HONEY PRODUCERS SHARE THE BUZZ BEHIND THE HIVES Often stung by a bad reputation and feared by nearly one in ten people, the tiny honeybee has a knack for landing in sticky situations. Who could forget the “killer bee” headlines buzzing through the news in the late ’90s? “Many people confuse honeybees […]

The recent denial by a federal government agency to upgrade the Florida manatee to endangered status will harm the gentle sea cow’s chances for long-term survival, legal and wildlife experts say. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced on January 13 that the Florida manatee will remain listed as a threatened species under the […]

INHABITANTS OF BURNT STORE LAKES AND NEARBY AREAS HAVE ENCOUNTERED ALLIGATORS FROM TIME TO TIME. If you cross paths with an alligator that … a. is in a place considered unacceptable, such as a swimming pool, lanai, garage, etc., b. you consider a threat to people, pets, or property, c. approaches people, or d. doesn’t […]

THE SCIENCE, STRATEGY, AND STING BEHIND MOSQUITO CONTROL AND KEEPING RESIDENTS ITCH-FREE Mosquitoes have one mission: to bug us. They may be small, but mosquitoes can quickly become a buzzkill to summer plans, from humming in your ear during morning walks to taking a bite out of your backyard barbecues. Visitors and locals are drawn […]

The mission of Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Peace River Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no local, state, or federal funding. We depend on the generous support of our community and guests to meet our mission. Peace […]

INHABITANTS OF BURNT STORE LAKES AND NEARBY AREAS HAVE ENCOUNTEREDALLIGATORS FROM TIME TO TIME. If you cross paths with an alligator that … a. is in a place considered unacceptable, such as a swimming pool, lanai, garage, etc., b. you consider a threat to people, pets, or property, c. approaches people, or d. doesn’t retreat […]

The mission of Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Peace River Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no local, state, or federal funding. We depend on the generous support of our community and guests to meet this mission. Peace […]

Iguanas have a so-called “third eye” on the top of their heads known as the parietal eye. It looks like a pale scale and can’t discern shapes or color. It does, however, sense light and movement, helping iguanas anticipate predatory birds from above.

Although it is rare, bears have been known to injure people in Florida. Here are some ways you can be aware and informed in case you find yourself near a bear. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 48 “documented incidents of physical contact between a person and a black bear in Florida” […]

The largest reptile zoo in the world calls Southwest Florida home, thanks to one man’s vision. Ty Park’s passion is reptiles. He is also passionate about conserving them and educating the public, which is why he opened Iguanaland three years ago on rural acreage in Punta Gorda. Billed as the largest reptile zoo in the […]