BREAKING NEWS
Osceola deputy wrangles gator near school, relocates it, video shows
Read full article: Osceola deputy wrangles gator near school, relocates it, video showsA school resource officer in Osceola County wrangled and relocated an alligator that was causing concern for student safety, according to the sheriff's office.
Florida wildlife officials to vote on bear hunt
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials to vote on bear huntThe FWC’s plan would issue permits for hunting within bear management units that have at least 200 bears. Activists believe education is a better approach to prevent negative interactions between bears and humans.
New agreement with Army will expedite Florida Everglades restoration, DeSantis says
Read full article: New agreement with Army will expedite Florida Everglades restoration, DeSantis saysFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis announces a new agreement with the U.S. Army that he says will quicken the completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir.
‘Room to roam:’ It’s no surprise that a panicked bear ended up on I-4 in Orlando, conservationist says
Read full article: ‘Room to roam:’ It’s no surprise that a panicked bear ended up on I-4 in Orlando, conservationist saysAs state wildlife officers continue their search for a black bear that found itself on I-4 in the Orlando area, conservationists say it's no surprise that more bears and humans are interacting across Florida.
Florida wildlife officials lead historic restoration efforts on Lake Kissimmee
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials lead historic restoration efforts on Lake KissimmeeThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced it is undertaking a large-scale, unprecedented $2.35 million restoration effort over the next two years to restore native plants in and around Lake Kissimmee.
How satellites and plants are helping us outsmart volcanoes
Read full article: How satellites and plants are helping us outsmart volcanoesMount Etna—Europe’s most active volcano—put on another dramatic show recently, spewing ash and lava that grounded flights and reminded us just how unpredictable volcanoes can be.
Kissimmee, Osceola County use tree planting to balance growth, environmental impact
Read full article: Kissimmee, Osceola County use tree planting to balance growth, environmental impactAs the population increases, the demand for buildings and roadways rises, but as this growth could come at the expense of the environment, some cities and counties are working to expand tree cover.
Florida ‘Save The Bees’ license plate nears deadline, still needs vouchers
Read full article: Florida ‘Save The Bees’ license plate nears deadline, still needs vouchersTime is running out to "Save The Bees" as a specialty, honey-colored license plate bearing the flowery message nears a June deadline with only about a third of the pre-sale vouchers it needs to become reality.
‘Helping inform and inspire:’ Visitor center officially opens at popular Orlando Wetlands
Read full article: ‘Helping inform and inspire:’ Visitor center officially opens at popular Orlando WetlandsThe long-awaited visitor center at the Orlando Wetlands is finally open, according to a news release from the city.
Florida wildlife officials close ‘Unusual Mortality Event’ as manatee starvation deaths decrease
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials close ‘Unusual Mortality Event’ as manatee starvation deaths decreaseManatees in Florida are slowly doing better after an effort to preserve their mortality and habitat, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Is Wekiwa Springs State Park really sold out this summer? Here’s what we found out
Read full article: Is Wekiwa Springs State Park really sold out this summer? Here’s what we found outIf you're planning to visit Wekiwa Springs State Park this summer, you may have visited the state's website and seen that regular day passes are fully booked from late May through August. But it turns out, there are open spots available within that window.
Stumped on what to do with dead wood in your yard? Leave it, experts say
Read full article: Stumped on what to do with dead wood in your yard? Leave it, experts sayIf you’ve recently had a tree cut down to the stump or have some toppled dead wood in your yard from recent hurricanes, there is a benefit to leaving it right where it’s at, according to experts from the UF/IFAS.
‘Get back into nature:’ Floridians kick off 2025 with First Day Hikes in the state parks
Read full article: ‘Get back into nature:’ Floridians kick off 2025 with First Day Hikes in the state parksNature lovers across Florida started 2025 with an invigorating tradition: “First Day Hikes.” Organized by state parks nationwide, these guided and self-paced hikes offered families and friends the perfect way to welcome the new year with fresh air, exercise, and reflection.
A bear at Disney, cobra in a dryer and more: Central Florida animal sightings through the years
Read full article: A bear at Disney, cobra in a dryer and more: Central Florida animal sightings through the yearsLet’s take a trip down memory lane of some unique animal sightings that have graced Central Florida over the years.
New cats on the rock: Lion pride joins savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Read full article: New cats on the rock: Lion pride joins savanna at Disney’s Animal KingdomOverlooking the Harambe Wildlife Reserve are Mshango, Zahara and Neema. The three siblings joined the savanna this week and are settling in at the kopjes rocks.
Seeing the science in action: Tour de Turtles tradition lives on at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Read full article: Seeing the science in action: Tour de Turtles tradition lives on at Disney’s Vero Beach ResortTour de Turtles is an educational event that follows the migration of sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their feeding grounds.
River otter removed from Lake Eola Park following swan deaths
Read full article: River otter removed from Lake Eola Park following swan deathsCity officials contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Assistance Program for solutions to prevent potential wildlife conflict after a river otter was spotted at Lake Eola Park.
Trout Lake Center hosting event to learn about Florida’s starry skies
Read full article: Trout Lake Center hosting event to learn about Florida’s starry skiesGet ready to satisfy your love of learning and the night sky at “The Stars of the Summer” event at the Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis this month.
Lake County commissioners weigh conservation referendum for November ballot
Read full article: Lake County commissioners weigh conservation referendum for November ballotVoters across Lake County may have a big decision to make in November when it comes to their property taxes and preserving green space.
Expressway authority approves toll road through Split Oak Forest
Read full article: Expressway authority approves toll road through Split Oak ForestThe Central Florida Expressway Authority is voting to approve an agreement that allows for an extension of Osceola Parkway through a section of Split Oak Forest.
FWC chairman talks next steps, reasoning behind controversial Split Oak land deal
Read full article: FWC chairman talks next steps, reasoning behind controversial Split Oak land dealFWC Chairman Rodney Barreto tells News 6 that the commission's agreement to lift conservation easements on protected land within Split Oak Forest will benefit the public in more ways than not.
Conservation group uses drone to drop millions of clams into Indian River Lagoon
Read full article: Conservation group uses drone to drop millions of clams into Indian River LagoonProgress was made Friday in Coastal Conservation Association Florida’s “billion clam initiative,” with the drone-assisted deployment of millions of clams in the Indian River Lagoon.
Watch out! Gator mating season is approaching, which means more aggressive large reptiles
Read full article: Watch out! Gator mating season is approaching, which means more aggressive large reptilesWe all know living in Florida means living with alligators. On Monday, a new month starts and that means you could start seeing more of them, according to News 6 partner News4JAX.
Loggerhead turtle ready for Volusia County release after swift recovery at Marine Science Center
Read full article: Loggerhead turtle ready for Volusia County release after swift recovery at Marine Science CenterBadlands, a sub-adult loggerhead turtle is set to be released following a medical recovery at the Marine Science Center in Volusia County.
Bucking python takes Florida men for a wild ride
Read full article: Bucking python takes Florida men for a wild rideA Florida man said a python almost overpowered him and four other people. "We literally put all of our weight on the snake, we sat on it, and the snake pushed back and lifted us off the ground..."
‘Cautiously very good news:’ Experts say manatee conditions improving in Indian River Lagoon
Read full article: ‘Cautiously very good news:’ Experts say manatee conditions improving in Indian River LagoonManatee conditions are starting to show some signs of improvement in the Indian River Lagoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
How one woman’s hatred clipped the Florida scrub-jay’s wings and kept it from becoming state bird
Read full article: How one woman’s hatred clipped the Florida scrub-jay’s wings and kept it from becoming state birdA baffling debate has been happening in Florida and it’s strange even by Florida standards. Orlando Sentinel Columnist Scott Maxwell joined News 6 Anchor Ginger Gadsden to talk it over.
Seaweed blob may stink up Florida beaches. But here’s how it helps rebuild them
Read full article: Seaweed blob may stink up Florida beaches. But here’s how it helps rebuild themThe brown seaweed that smells like rotten eggs and is washing up on our beaches may not be pleasant to be around, but experts say it's what many areas of the coast needed after recent storms.
Lizard watch: Scientists urge Floridians to report brown basilisk sightings
Read full article: Lizard watch: Scientists urge Floridians to report brown basilisk sightingsUniversity of Florida scientists are asking residents to report sightings of nonnative lizards, in order to prevent invasive spread.
Love nature? New railbike tour offers great chance for family fun outdoors
Read full article: Love nature? New railbike tour offers great chance for family fun outdoorsRailbikes are pedal-power carts that are ridden on railroad tracks and have the same style as recumbent bikes in the way people sit on them and pedal.
Wildlife conference boosts protection for sharks, turtles
Read full article: Wildlife conference boosts protection for sharks, turtlesAn international wildlife conference has moved to enact some of the most significant protection for shark species targeted in the fin trade and scores of turtles, lizards and frogs whose numbers are being decimated by the pet trade.
Woman charged, accused of freeing swarm of bees on deputies
Read full article: Woman charged, accused of freeing swarm of bees on deputiesA Massachusetts woman is facing multiple assault and battery charges, accused of releasing a swarm of bees on sheriff’s deputies as they tried to serve an eviction notice.
Threatened shorebirds hatch in Volusia County ahead of 4th of July weekend
Read full article: Threatened shorebirds hatch in Volusia County ahead of 4th of July weekendThreatened shorebirds have been hatching throughout southeast Volusia County over the past week ahead of what is expected to be a busy Fourth of July weekend in Central Florida, according to county officials.
Silver Springs features glass-bottom boat tours in Marion County
Read full article: Silver Springs features glass-bottom boat tours in Marion CountySilver Springs State Park — an agritourist attraction out of Marion County — is hosting its mainstay feature glass-bottom boat tours yet again this summer.
Largest python ever found in Florida nearly 18 feet long, tips the scale at 215 pounds
Read full article: Largest python ever found in Florida nearly 18 feet long, tips the scale at 215 poundsThe Conservancy of Southwest Florida discovered and captured the largest python yet found in the state, measuring 18 feet long and weighing 215 pounds, according to a Wednesday news release.
Afghanistan quake kills 1,000 people, deadliest in decades
Read full article: Afghanistan quake kills 1,000 people, deadliest in decadesAfghanistan's state-run news agency reported a powerful earthquake struck a rural, mountainous region of the country's east, killing 1,000 people and injuring 1,500 more.
Wildlife officials to boaters: Remember not to hit any manatees this holiday weekend
Read full article: Wildlife officials to boaters: Remember not to hit any manatees this holiday weekendMemorial 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.
In US, states struggle to replace fossil fuel tax revenue
Read full article: In US, states struggle to replace fossil fuel tax revenueMajor energy producing states from Alaska to Pennsylvania are reaping a windfall from soaring oil and natural gas prices, stoked by the war in Ukraine and the U.S.-led ban on Russian oil imports.
New Mexico governor seeks more US aid for wildfire response
Read full article: New Mexico governor seeks more US aid for wildfire responseNew Mexico’s governor is asking for additional federal assistance to respond to wildfires burning across the state’s north, including one that is the second-largest in the state’s history and that officials estimate has destroyed hundreds of homes.
Menaced by flames, nuclear lab peers into future of wildfire
Read full article: Menaced by flames, nuclear lab peers into future of wildfirePublic schools were closed and evacuation bags packed this week as a stubborn wildfire crept toward the city of Los Alamos and its companion U.S. national security lab – where assessing apocalyptic threats is a specialty and wildland fire is a beguiling equation.
VIRAL VIDEO: 1 arrested after popped party balloons pollute Florida bay
Read full article: VIRAL VIDEO: 1 arrested after popped party balloons pollute Florida bayOfficials say a viral video of people popping party balloons on a yacht at a South Florida marina and dumping the rubbery scraps into the bay has led to one arrest and more than $25,000 in fines.
Climate change a major factor in fatal South Africa floods
Read full article: Climate change a major factor in fatal South Africa floodsThe fatal floods that wreaked havoc in South Africa in mid-April this year have been attributed to human-caused climate change, a rapid analysis published Friday by a team of leading international scientists said.
No sea serpents, mobsters but Tahoe trash divers strike ‘gold’
Read full article: No sea serpents, mobsters but Tahoe trash divers strike ‘gold’Scuba divers at Lake Tahoe are sorting through their haul after an unprecedented, yearlong effort to remove litter from the alpine lake's entire 72 miles of shoreline atop the Sierra Nevada.