Mello Adventures

11/11/2023

Awesome morning in the water. Water was clear, egmont had plenty of shells and it was flat calm. Alicia Dougherty Joe Dougherty Jr. Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare

02/28/2023

For sure

02/18/2023

We have awesome wildlife to see on Tampa Bay

02/08/2023

01/30/2023

Great day at Gasparilla 2023. Can you spot Mello?

50 seconds · Clipped by Joe Dougherty · Original video "Gasparilla 2023: They're coming!" by 10 Tampa Bay

01/29/2023

01/29/2023

Crane Migration

During the winter months, Florida is home to two subspecies of sandhill crane as part of the greater sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis tabida) migrates south from the Great Lake’s region to Florida for the cold season. Our year-round resident sandhill crane population, the Florida sandhill crane (A. c. pratensis), is joined each year by about 25,000 birds from up north that travel south to the state.

As winter ends and temperatures begin to warm, the greater sandhill crane population will return to their breeding grounds to nest, raise young, and prepare to return for next year’s migration. On the other hand, the Florida sandhill crane has a much more relaxed schedule as our favorable weather allows birds to avoid migration, stay in Florida, and begin breeding.

In Florida, sandhill cranes occur throughout peninsular Florida but are most common from Alachua County to Collier County.

FWC photo by Tim Donovan

01/11/2023

Today, I signed an executive order to build on our historic conservation efforts by:
- Securing $3.5 billion for Everglades and water resources
- Restoring the Indian River Lagoon
- Strengthening coastal resiliency
- Conserving land for future generations

01/11/2023

Panther Traffic – Proceed with Caution

Last year, the FWC recorded 27 Florida Panther deaths. 25 of those deaths were caused by vehicle strikes.

As our state has grown, our human footprint has as well, and many of our roads run through the panthers’ large habitat range in south and central Florida. Drivers are recommended to exercise caution in all areas where wildlife may be present and should be extra vigilant in areas with wildlife crossing signs.

Vehicle strikes are the leading cause of death for Florida’s panther population. Please go slow in areas where there are wildlife crossings and keep an eye out for panthers and other wildlife. If you see an injured or dead panther, please call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404- 3922. Our panther scientists can gain valuable information from these animals that will assist with recovery of the population. Florida residents can support panther conservation efforts by purchasing a "Protect the Panther" license plate.

For more information on the Florida Panther Program: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/