invasive species

The FWC wrote the measure's language, announced it as a legislative initiative, and lobbied for it right before they announced Operation Viper, in which the agency busted people who were allegedly illegally selling venomous snakes.

The population of an endangered bird, the Everglade snail kite, has rebounded recently. Scientists it's all thanks to an invasive snail that has provided kites with a new abundant food source.

It is speculated that the species moved into Key West as a result of Hurricane Ian.

The Florida Wildlife Conservation Committee has worked with a Manatee County community to remove the goldline snakehead fish from a local pond.

With Oriental fruit flies in Pinellas County and giant African land snails in Pasco County, the greater Tampa Bay region has a couple quarantined zones. But what does that mean exactly and how is it enforced?

Authorities warn people not to touch the mollusks if one is found. Instead, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture's Division of Plant Industry Helpline at 1-888-397-1517.

Researchers say spending more on efforts to contain invasive species and prevent their spread once they arrive, could help reduce expensive damages.

Tegus have been reported in 35 Florida counties, including nearly every part of the greater Tampa Bay region. A new factsheet shows their presence is now established in several North Florida counties and as far north as Georgia.

Within the next 20 years, experts believe rabies-carrying vampire bats could enter the U.S. through Latin America, so the federal government is bringing stakeholders together from across the country.

Florida’s Prohibited Species List now has 16 new high-risk nonnative reptiles added. They include Argentine black and white tegus, green iguanas, Nile monitor lizards, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, and green anacondas.

The mussels have been found in popular moss balls, used in aquariums and as decoration, in 21 states so far. If you have one, officials say boil it or freeze it before disposing it in a trash container.

After collecting comments from reptile breeders and environmental activists at multiple workshops and focus groups, Florida wildlife officials are expected to revise the rules around the possession and commercial sale of highly invasive nonnative species, like tegu lizards and green iguanas.