Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

"Black Snakes": Identification and Ecology

Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

“Las serpientes negras”: identificación y ecología

Steve A. Johnson y Monica E. McGarrity. Traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Miguel Acevedo y Juan Manuel Campos Krauer

En el sudeste de los Estados Unidos habitan alrededor de 50 especies de serpientes (seis de las cuales son venenosas) que viven en los estados costeros del Atlántico y el Golfo, desde Luisiana hasta Carolina del Norte. Estas serpientes utilizan una variedad de hábitats desde tierras altas hasta humedales, y tienen un gran impacto en la ecología de la región. Son depredadores, pero también presas y forman conexiones importantes en las redes tróficas.

¿Por qué no debemos alimentar a las aves acuáticas?

Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main y Maena Voigt. Traducido por Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

El propósito de este documento es ayudar a reducir la frecuencia con la que las personas alimentan a las aves que viven cerca del agua en Florida y explicar los impactos negativos de estas acciones. Este documento está dirigido a una audiencia general. Las aves acuáticas viven en o cerca de ambientes acuáticos como el océano, lagos, humedales, pantanos y ríos. Este grupo incluye pelícanos, patos, gansos, garzas, garcetas, gaviotas, charranes, cormoranes, etc.

¿Qué tan eficaz y humanitario es el método Atrapar-Esterilizar-Liberar (TNR) para los gatos salvajes?

Mark Hostetler, Samantha M. Wisely, Steve Johnson, Elizabeth F. Pienaar y Martin Main

A medida que la cantidad de gatos salvajes continúa aumentando, los administradores de tierras, los funcionarios de salud pública y los ciudadanos privados expresan su preocupación sobre cómo abordar las molestias y los impactos en la salud pública, así como las preocupaciones sobre el bienestar animal que crean los gatos salvajes. La estrategia atrapar-esterilizar-liberar (TNR) para el manejo de gatos salvajes está ganando popularidad en Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, ¿será que esta estrategia funcione?

¿Vio un puma?

Diane J. Episcopio, Elizabeth F. Pienaar y Martin B. Main

Los pumas a veces se pueden confundir con gatos monteses, perros y coyotes. En este documento se proporcionan datos e imágenes que pueden ayudar a cualquier persona a identificar a un puma.

A Bird's-Eye View: How Birds Select Habitat

Mark E. Hostetler

A Guide to Living with Wild Cats

Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

A Scientific Framework for Managing Urban Natural Areas

Frank J. Mazzotti and Carol Morgenstern

The purposes of this paper are: to present a scientific framework for managing urban natural areas; to discuss general ecological issues and management concerns identified from our early efforts at applying this approach to Broward County ESL sites; and to discuss the Pine Island Ridge ESL site as a case study.

Alligator Abundance and Hydrology (2003–2013): What Long-term Monitoring Can Tell Us about Everglades Restoration

Rebecca G. Harvey, Jeff Beauchamp, Robin Bijlani, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Laura A. Brandt

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Atracción de aves al patio: selección del comedero para aves

Emma V. Willcox, Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main y Maena Voigt

La historia de la alimentación de aves en Estados Unidos se remonta al año 1845, cuando Henry David Thoreau les ofreció alimento en Walden Pond. En 1926 se lanzó al mercado el primer comedero comercial diseñado específicamente para colibríes. Hoy en día, más de 50 millones de estadounidenses distribuyen anualmente mil millones de kilos de alimento para aves. Antes de instalar un comedero en su jardín, es importante considerar algunos aspectos clave. Este documento ofrece recomendaciones útiles que sirven como guía general. La mejor manera de descubrir cómo atraer aves a sus comederos es mediante la experimentación. Este documento es el WEC 162, parte de una serie del Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), University of Flolrida. Publicado por primera vez en septiembre de 2003. Revisado en Noviembre 20, 2024.

Attracting Backyard Birds: Bird Feeder Selection

Emma V. Willcox, Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main, and Maena Voigt

Before placing bird feeders in your backyard, consider the bird species you would like to attract. Different birds are attracted to different bird feeders and foods. The following suggestions are useful guidelines, but it is best to experiment. Try a variety of feeders and foods located in different spots around your yard.

Baiting the Nine-Banded Armadillo

Holly K. Ober, Lucas W. DeGroote, and Russell F. Mizell III

What is the tastiest treat to tempt an armadillo? Armadillos are one of the most significant nuisance pests in Florida and much of the Southeast. There are no repellents, toxicants, or fumigants registered for use with them. They are good at both burrowing beneath and climbing over fences. There are also no effective methods for baiting them into traps. So, the authors of this 3-page fact sheet set up a test to determine which materials have the greatest potential to serve as bait.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Jason M. Martin, Richard N. Raid, and Lyn C. Branch

Barred Owl (Strix varia)

Karen Heulett, Mark E. Hostetler, and Ronald F. Labisky

Basic Steps to Creating a Conservation Land Trust in Florida

Benjamin W. North, Elizabeth Frances Pienaar, and Jessica D. Sullivan

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). Published by ==Natural Resources==

Basilisco Marrón en Florida

Kenneth T. Gioeli, Steve A. Johnson, Amanda Thompson, y Lourdes Pérez Cordero

Esta publicación presenta información sobre el lagarto no nativo Basiliscus vittatus (basilisco marrón) en Florida. Contiene información sobre la identificación del basilisco marrón, la historia natural y la distribución en Florida. La audiencia prevista incluye propietarios de viviendas y administradores de tierras principalmente en el centro y sur de Florida. Esta es la versión traducida al español. For the English version, please see https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW497.

Bats of Florida

Holly K. Ober, Martin B. Main, and Ginger M. Allen

Beach Mice

Brittany L. Bird, Deborah L. Miller, Margo A. Stoddard, Lyn C. Branch, and Mark E. Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

BioBlitzes: Citizen Science for Biodiversity in Florida

Mathieu Basille and Kathryn Stofer

Bird Monitoring Projects for Youth: Leader's Guide

Mark E. Hostetler

Birds in the ’Burbs: Do migratory birds prefer urban forest fragments or residential yards?

Ryan Buron, Mark Hostetler, and Michael Andreu

During migration, birds travel from their northern breeding grounds to their southern wintering grounds and vice versa. To understand which urban habitats are valuable for specific migratory species, we compared the diversity of migratory bird species that used urban forest fragments vs residential areas with tree canopy in Gainesville, Florida. Study results summarized in this fact sheet can help inform urban planners, developers, and homeowners about vegetation migratory birds use. Conservation of large, forested areas is important, but fragmented landscapes are not useless, and conserving urban forest fragments and trees in residential areas is also important for bird conservation.

Blue Land Crab (Cardisoma guanhumi)

Mark E. Hostetler, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Amy K. Taylor

The giant land crab is the largest of Florida's semi-terrestrial crabs. This animal can measure up to 6 in (15 cm) across its carapace (Figure 1). In its juvenile form, the crab is a dark brown, purple, or orange in color. As an adult, it is a bluish-gray color. Females sometimes appear light gray or white. One claw is larger than the other and the walking legs are sparsely hairy.

Brilliant Butterflies: A Guide to Spotting, Observing and Sharing Sightings on iNaturalist

Corey T. Callaghan, Brittany M. Mason, Jaret Daniels, and Akito Y. Kawahara

The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance and tips on how to enter the wonderful world of butterflies and, further, how to leverage the website iNaturalist to document butterfly observations through citizen science. The intended audience is anyone who is interested in the natural world and wants to learn more about observing butterflies, identifying butterflies, and contributing to science by adding their observations to iNaturalist. While we use examples from Florida throughout, the majority of the information presented here is highly relevant for beginning butterfly-enthusiasts anywhere in the world.

Brown Basilisks in Florida

Kenneth T. Gioeli, Steve A. Johnson, and Amanda Thompson

This publication presents information about the nonnative lizard Basiliscus vittatus (brown basilisk) in Florida. It contains information about brown basilisk identification, natural history, and distribution in Florida. The intended audience includes homeowners and land managers primarily in central and south Florida.

Building Coastal Dunes with Sea Oats and Surrogate Wrack

Natalie Hooton, Debbie Miller, Mack Thetford, and Sean Claypool

Building for Birds Evaluation Tool: Breeding and Wintering Habitat for Forest Birds

Mark Hostetler and Jan-Michael Archer

The "Building for Birds" online tool is designed to help decision makers evaluate different development scenarios and how they affect habitat for different species of forest birds that can use fragmented areas. The tool is most useful for small developments or developments in already fragmented landscapes. This publication explains how the tool can be used for forest birds in fragmented landscapes in any part of the United States.

Building for Birds Evaluation Tool: Built Areas as Habitat for Forest Birds

Mark Hostetler and Jan-Michael Archer

A variety of forest birds use trees and shrubs in built areas (urban residential and commercial areas) as summer breeding sites and foraging/shelter sites during winter and spring/fall migration seasons. This publication explains how the "building for birds" online evaluation tool can help assess the impacts of different development plans on bird habitat so that decision makers can explore different designs and determine which may be best and conserve the most—and the best—bird habitat.

Building for Birds Evaluation Tool: Forest Fragments Used as Stopover Sites by Migrant Birds

Mark Hostetler and Jan-Michael Archer

The "Building for Birds" online tool is designed to help decision makers evaluate different development scenarios and how they affect habitat for different species of forest birds that can use fragmented areas. The tool is most useful for small developments or developments in already fragmented landscapes. This publication explains how the tool can help preserve stopover sites for migrating birds.

Butterfly Gardening in Florida

Jaret C. Daniels, Joe Schaefer, Craig N. Huegel, and Frank J. Mazzotti

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s).

Cámaras trampa para la vida silvestre

B. W. McDonald, B. M. Mason, C. T. Callaghan, M. A. Lashley y C. Baruzzi

Las cámaras trampa permiten observar la vida silvestre de forma sencilla y discreta para diversos fines, brindando información sobre la composición de las comunidades de fauna y, en algunos casos, sobre el comportamiento animal. Aunque se utilizan con frecuencia, actualmente hay muchas cámaras disponibles con distintas configuraciones. Esta publicación describe algunos de los usos más comunes de las cámaras trampa y ofrece recomendaciones sobre los ajustes ideales para sacarles el mayor provecho.

Camera Trapping for Wildlife

B. W. McDonald, B. M. Mason, C. T. Callaghan, M. A. Lashley, and C. Baruzzi

Camera traps provide a means to easily and unobtrusively view wildlife for a variety of purposes, providing information on the makeup of wildlife communities and sometimes animal behavior. While frequently used, there are currently many different cameras available with a variety of different settings. This publication discusses some of the ways cameras are typically used and provides recommended settings to get the most out of camera traps.

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Muhammad Azeem Akhter and Mark Hostetler

This fact sheet describes a common wintering bird in Florida called the cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum). Information in this fact sheet is relevant to homeowners, backyard bird enthusiasts, and the general public. Written by Muhammad Azeem Akhter and Mark Hostetler, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, June 2024.

Checklist of Birds of the Everglades Agricultural Area

Elise V. Pearlstine and Frank J. Mazzotti

Climate Change Adaptation: New Perspectives for Natural Resource Management and Conservation

Rebecca G. Harvey, Laura A. Brandt, and Frank J. Mazzotti

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Climate Changes, Shifting Ranges: Climate Change Effects on Wildlife in the Florida Everglades and Keys

Larry Perez, James I. Watling, David Bucklin, Mathieu Basille, Frank J. Mazzotti, Stephanie Romañach, and Laura Brandt

Where do the animals go when the sea rises? Learn the probable futures of Florida panthers and other south Florida wildlife in this 5-page fact sheet. It explains how a changing climate could impact wild animals.­

Coexisting with Venomous Snakes

Brandon M. Bourassa, Bryan D. Hughes, Steve A. Johnson, and Basil V. Iannone III

Urban landscapes are expanding, increasing the wildland-urban interface and leading to more frequent wildlife-human conflict. This publication discusses how to reduce conflict venomous snakes. We first discuss the ecological benefits of these species and then provide suggestions on how to limit conflicts with them. The overarching goal of this publication is to increase the likelihood of coexistence between humans and venomous snakes.

Commonly Asked Questions About Coyotes in Florida

Martin B. Main, E. Hance Ellington, Mark E. Hostetler, and Steven A. Johnson

There are many perspectives and misconceptions regarding coyotes (Canis latrans) in Florida. Some people enjoy seeing and hearing coyotes and consider them important components of Florida ecosystems. Others consider them a nuisance or a threat. This publication provides basic information about coyotes and specifically addresses questions that we are commonly asked about coyotes. The intended audience is anyone who is concerned about or interested in learning more about coyotes in Florida.

Cómo identificar las especies de animales responsables por el daño en tu jardín

Holly K. Ober y Arlo Kane y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

Aunque muchos disfrutan de la vida silvestre en sus jardines, hay situaciones donde la presencia de animales puede causar mucho daño a los jardines. Saber identificar las especies responsables de causar estos daños es el primer paso para encontrar una solución al problema. Consulte la publicación de EDIS, WEC323, titulada Overview of How to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard para una guía completa de los pasos a seguir para identificar y solucionar los problemas causados por la vida silvestre en tu jardín. En esta publicación, describimos el primer paso para mitigar los problemas causados por la vida silvestre: identificar el culpable. Aquí proveemos imágenes del daño causado en áreas residenciales para ayudarle a determinar cuáles especies pueden estar causando problemas similares en su jardín.

Cómo prevenir encuentros entre niños y serpientes

Steve A. Johnson y Martin B. Main

La forma más efectiva de proteger a los niños de la mordedura de serpientes es simplemente evitar que interactúen con ellas. En este documento se recomiendan medidas que pueden tomar las escuelas para prevenir el ingreso de serpientes a la propiedad escolar. Además se ofrecen algunas ideas para desarrollar programas educativos sobre estos reptiles y para entrenar a los niños sobre qué hacer si se encuentran con una serpiente en su escuela o en otro lugar.  Se incluye un programa educativo breve que los maestros pueden utilizar con los estudiantes. 

Conservation of Bats in Florida

Holly K. Ober and Frank J. Mazzotti

Bats are declining throughout North America, including Florida. This is worrisome because bats are an essential part of natural ecosystems throughout the world, serving as valuable allies to humans by consuming enormous quantities of night-flying insects, many of which are pests to humans and to crops. In tropical countries, bats also play a vital role in pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds.

Conservation Subdivision: Post-construction Phase—Engaging Residents

Daniel Feinberg and Mark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Conserving Urban Wildlife in the Face of Climate Change

Daniel Feinberg and Mark Hostetler

Virtually all climatologists agree that humans are increasing the rate of the Earth’s warming by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But you might be surprised to learn that houses and residential neighborhoods are sources of greenhouse gases or carbon because everything in a house that runs on electricity or gas is often derived from burning fossil fuels. This publication describes the connections between climate change, wildlife, and human neighborhoods and presents several ways for residents to live more sustainably.

Considerations for Building Climate-based Species Distribution Models

David N. Bucklin, Mathieu Basille, Stephanie S. Romañach, Laura A. Brandt, Frank J. Mazzotti, and James I. Watling

Contando y Capturando Cocodrílidos

Michael S. Cherkiss, Holly E. Fling, Frank J. Mazzotti, Kenneth G. Rice y Marianna D. Conill

Este documento es la Circular 1451S, una de la serie del Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Publicado por primera vez: diciembre, 2005. Revisado junio 2017.

Counting and Capturing Crocodilians

Michael S. Cherkiss, Holly E. Fling, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Kenneth G. Rice

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions that Address Environmental Issues in Residential Communities

Mark E. Hostetler

Cues to Care: Are city landowners willing to make ecological landscapes?

Mark Hostetler

The purpose of this fact sheet is to inform homeowners, developers, and city officials about potential considerations to make urban landscapes more eco-friendly, to improve urban biodiversity, and to explore avenues to install more environmentally friendly landscapes that provide wildlife habitat and reduce natural resource consumption.

Datos sobre las enfermedades de la fauna salvaje: caquexia crónica (CWD)

Anastasia Postowski, Kristen Wilson, Samantha M. Wisely y Bridget B. Baker Traducido por: Laura Sánchez

Datos sobre las enfermedades de la fauna salvaje: caquexia crónica (CWD)

Dealing with Iguanas in the South Florida Landscape

W. H. Kern, Jr.

Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas—Emergency Planning

Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas—Identifying Commonly Encountered Snakes

Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity

Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas—Introduction

Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity

Dealing with Snakes in Florida's Residential Areas—Preventing Encounters

Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Dealing with Unwanted Wildlife in an Urban Environment

Joe Schaefer

Dealing with Venomous Snakes in Florida School Yard

Steve A. Johnson and Martin B. Main

Developing Sign Displays for Conveying Information

Anna M. Prizzia, Mark E. Hostetler, and Martin B. Main

Diamondback Terrapins of Florida

Rick O’Connor, Travis Thomas, and Martin Main

Florida is home to several species of sea turtles, but in addition to sea turtles, Florida has another native turtle that inhabits coastal waters: the diamondback terrapin. This “lesser known” coastal turtle occurs along Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts; however, many people are unaware of the species. This fact sheet provides information on diamondback terrapin ecology and conservation and will be of interest to lay and professional audiences interested in learning more about and contributing to conservation of this species.

Did I See a Panther?

Diane J. Episcopio, Elizabeth F. Pienaar, and Martin B. Main

Dove Fields in Florida (2025)

Brandon McDonald, Mark Mauldin, Kalyn Waters, Andrew Fanning, Jon Creamer, Marcus Lashley, and Carolina Baruzzi

Mourning doves are the most hunted and widely distributed game bird in North America, with millions harvested each year. Both year-round resident birds and seasonal migrants can be found throughout Florida and hunted in the state during the fall dove season. Mourning doves are managed federally by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in Florida by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This publication is intended for landowners and land managers who are interested in using dove fields, or food plots, for dove hunting. Information on what is legal when hunting doves on dove fields can be found at the end of the publication.

Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) to Nonnative Wildlife in South Florida

Justin R. Dalaba and Frank J. Mazzotti

Ecological Risk Assessment for Invasive Wildlife in Florida

Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez, Kyle Allen, Rebecca G. Harvey, and Frank J. Mazzotti

Efectos del fuego en la vida Silvestre de Florida y su hábitat

Martin B. Main

Effective Bat Houses for Florida

Holly K. Ober

Bats can be a beneficial addition to the wildlife community on your property. With the exception of a few uncommon bats in the Florida Keys, all resident bats in Florida eat insects. Bats reduce common insect pests by consuming them in large quantities and the sound of bat calls can repel additional insects from areas where bats spend time. By attracting bats to your farm, forest, or backyard you may substantially reduce the number of nocturnal insects nearby.

Effects of Canals and Levees on Everglades Ecosystems (Fact Sheet)

Rebecca G. Harvey, William F. Loftus, Jennifer S. Rehage, and Frank J. Mazzotti

Canals and levees are the foundation of south Florida's water-management system. However, degradation of Everglades ecosystems has resulted directly from these structures and their effects of drainage and impoundment. The purpose of this fact sheet is to summarize the science on ecological and hydrological impacts of Everglades canals and levees.

Effects of Canals and Levees on Everglades Ecosystems: Circular

Rebecca G. Harvey, William F. Loftus, Jennifer S. Rehage, and Frank J. Mazzotti

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively portray the hydrological and ecological effects of canals and levees within the EPA landscape and to consider ways their impacts may be mitigated.

Effects of Oil Spills on Marine and Coastal Wildlife

Holly K. Ober

El Azulejo de Garganta Canela

Hannah Fox, Bethany Wight, and E. Hance Ellington; Traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Juan Manuel Campos Krauer, Armando Ubeda, y Miguel Acevedo

¡Aprende más sobre los azulejos de garganta canela de Florida! La serie de hojas informativas sobre la vida silvestre de Florida se creó para brindar al público una introducción rápida y precisa a la vida silvestre de Florida, tanto nativa como invasiva. Esperamos que estos documentos inspiren a las personas a investigar la vida silvestre en sus propias comunidades y a comprender la asombrosa biodiversidad de la vida silvestre en el estado de Florida.

El Cangrejo Terrestre Azul (Cardisoma guanhami)

Mark E. Hostetler, Frank J. Mazzotti y Amy K. Taylor

El objetivo de este documento es brindar información básica sobre el cangrejo terrestre azul en Florida, está dirigido a una audiencia general.

El sapo de caña o "Bufo" (Rhinella marina) en Florida

S. A. Johnson, A. Wilson, and Armando J. Ubeda

A UF/IFAS numbered Translation. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Natural Resources==

Emergency Snakebite Action Plan

Steve A. Johnson and Martin B. Main

Enfermedades Zoonóticas: La Rabia

Samantha M. Wisely y Holly K. Ober y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

La rabia es un virus que se transmite entre mamíferos y es mortal para humanos y animales. La enfermedad es tratable, pero es incurable cuando los síntomas son evidentes. El virus ataca el sistema nervioso central y la forma más común de transmisión es la saliva, cuando un mamífero infectado muerde a otro animal o persona. El virus también se puede transmitir cuando saliva, lágrimas o tejido cerebral/nervioso infectados entran en contacto con heridas abiertas o mucosas (ojos, nariz o boca) de otro animal o persona.  El virus puede sobrevivir en los cuerpos de animales muertos por periodos largos, pero puede sobrevivir por poco tiempo fuera del cuerpo de un hospedero. El virus deja de ser infeccioso al secarse o calentarse, o ser expuesto a la luz solar.

Environmental Interpretation: How to Communicate Persuasively

Kara N. Youngentob and Mark E. Hostetler

Evaluating Certified Coffee Programs

Gloria M. Lentijo and Mark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Evaluating Green Communities: Top Eleven Questions to Ask

Mark E. Hostetler

Evaluating Private Lands for Conservation of Wildlife

Martin B. Main, Mark E. Hostetler, and Annisa Karim

Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program

Rebecca G. Harvey, Michael R. Rochford, Jennifer Ketterlin, Edward Metzger III, Jennifer Nestler, and Frank J. Mazzotti

This document is WEC386, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 2017.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Bats and Coronaviruses

Holly K. Ober and Samantha M. Wisely

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Anastasia Postowski, Kristen Wilson, Samantha M. Wisely, and Bridget B. Baker

This article is intended to summarize for the general public, and particularly hunters, farmed cervid owners, and landowners, what is currently known about chronic wasting disease (CWD) and its impacts, with information about practices to minimize spread of the disease and to safely handle and test deer.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Bridget B. Baker and Samantha M. Wisely

Avian influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that circulates globally among wild birds. As of July 2022, H5N1 has spread quickly in the United States, killing wild birds in more than 40 states and impacting more than 60 species. While lethal to many bird and some mammal species, the current circulating strain is not particularly infectious in humans.  Nonetheless, basic precautions are still warranted, particularly for those people in contact with wild birds via hunting or the use of backyard bird feeders or baths, as well as people with backyard poultry or pet birds. These basic precautions are detailed. 

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Rabies

Samantha M. Wisely and Holly K. Ober

The purpose of this document is to be an overview of rabies, including how it is spread, the symptoms, and what you should do if you suspect a rabies exposure. This document is intended for a general audience.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: SARS-CoV-2 in White-Tailed Deer

Samantha M. Wisely

SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been discovered in white-tailed deer. This publication provides information to the general public, hunters, and deer farmers as to what SARS CoV2 is, the evidence for COVID-19 in deer, and if people can get COVID-19 from deer.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Things You Should Know about Mule Deerpox Virus in Farmed White-Tailed Deer in Florida

Juan M. Campos Krauer and Samantha M. Wisely

Pox viruses are widespread and infect many hosts, including insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some, like chicken pox, are highly adapted to humans, and others, like monkeypox, can be transmitted from species to species. All are highly contagious and usually cause lesions or rashes. Poxvirus infections occur in domestic hoofstock, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, horses, and swine, and they have been reported in wild ungulates, including mountain sheep, mountain goats, reindeer, mule deer, musk-ox, caribou, moose, and white-tailed deer. In 1983, Mule deerpox virus, a genetically distinct pox virus was found in free-ranging mule deer in Wyoming. Since the 1990s, several cases of mule deerpox virus have been reported from black-tailed deer from California and Oregon and a white-tailed deer from Mississippi, suggesting that this virus may be a potential emerging pathogen for white-tailed deer. It is unclear whether the virus is more prevalent or whether detection has increased.

Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Warts in White-tailed deer (Cutaneous Fibromas)

Juan M. Campos Krauer and Samantha M. Wisely

Deer warts, or cutaneous fibromas, are skin tumors caused by papillomavirus infection that affect white-tailed deer and other deer. These growths are generally benign, but in rare cases may proliferate and impede functions like sight, movement, or feeding. Deer immune systems usually eradicate the infection over time. Found exclusively on the skin, usually around the eyes, neck, face, and forelegs, warts may be diverse in appearance and size, ranging from small fleshy nodules to larger, pendulous masses or clusters. Transmission mechanisms are suspected to involve skin contact or possibly insect vectors but remain unclear. Diagnosis is by visual examination and histopathological analysis of the wart tissue. Wild deer populations usually do not require treatment, but surgical removal is an option for captive herds. Vaccine development remains plausible but has not yet been pursued extensively.

Farmers' Opinions about Bird Conservation and Pest Management on Organic and Conventional North Florida Farms

Susan K. Jacobson, Kathryn E. Sieving, Greg Jones, John McElroy, Beida Chen, Mark E. Hostetler, and Sarah W. Miller

Florida Bird Monitoring Program

Mark E. Hostetler

The Florida Bird Monitoring Program was developed by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation's Wildlife Extension office in June 2001. The objective of the Florida Bird Monitoring Program is to maintain a website where you can enter and view bird survey data collected by yourself and others. Homeowners as well as participants from natural resource fields, Cooperative Extension, and state education programs are encouraged to participate.

Florida Monitoring Program: Point Count Method to Survey Birds

Mark E. Hostetler and Martin B. Main

Florida Monitoring Program: Transect Method for Surveying Birds

Mark E. Hostetler and Martin B. Main

Florida Scrub Lizard (Sceloporus woodi)

Kevin M. Enge and Lyn C. Branch

Florida's Bats: Brazilian Free-tailed Bat

Holly K. Ober, Terry J. Doonan, and Emily H. Evans

Florida's Bats: Evening Bat

Emily Evans, Terry Doonan, and Holly Ober

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Florida's Bats: Florida Bonneted Bat

Holly K. Ober, Terry J. Doonan, and Emily H. Evans

Florida's Bats: Southeastern myotis

Emily Evans, Terry Doonan, and Holly Ober

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Florida's Bats: Tricolored Bat

Emily Evans, Terry Doonan, and Holly Ober

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Florida's Bats: Velvety Free-Tailed Bat

Holly K. Ober, Terry J. Doonan, and Emily H. Evans

Florida's Introduced Reptiles: Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei)

Steve A. Johnson, Courtney Reyes, Brandon Dodge, and Natalie M. Claunch

This is one in a series of similar Ask IFAS publications summarizing general knowledge about Florida's introduced reptiles.

Florida's Introduced Reptiles: Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

Paige Borcyk, Elizabeth Fortner, Natalie M. Claunch, and Steve A. Johnson

This is one in a series of similar Ask IFAS publications summarizing general knowledge about Florida's introduced reptiles.

Florida's Introduced Reptiles: Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), Oustalet’s Chameleon (Furcifer oustaleti), and Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)

Max Maddox, Karissa Beloyan, Natalie M. Claunch, and Steve A. Johnson

This publication is one in a series of similar UF/IFAS numbered publications summarizing general knowledge about Florida's introduced reptiles.

Florida's Native Bromeliads

Barbra C. Larson, J. Howard Frank, Martin B. Main, and Ginger M. Allen

Florida's Seepage Slope Wetlands

Megan E. Brown and Debbie L. Miller

Forest Remnants: Conserving and Observing Bird Diversity in Urban Settings

Dan Dawson and Mark Hostetler