Jessica Hodge+FollowChameleons shake up Orange County lifePanther chameleons, known for their wild colors, are now calling Orange County neighborhoods home—and it’s not just the lizards that are stirring things up. Residents are seeing more late-night visitors with flashlights, likely hunting these pricey pets for the exotic animal trade. While some folks are fascinated, others are worried about safety and the impact on local wildlife. These chameleons could outcompete native species and disrupt the balance in our backyards. What do you think: should Florida crack down harder on the exotic pet trade, or is this just another quirky Florida story? #Science #FloridaWildlife #OrangeCounty00Share
James Brady+FollowFlorida manta rays: Nature’s moving habitatsManta rays off the Florida coast aren’t just impressive to watch—they’re actually creating mobile ecosystems as they glide through the water. Researchers found that young Caribbean manta rays often swim with groups of other fish, forming tight-knit communities where everyone benefits. These rays act like floating safe zones, offering protection and even nursery grounds for smaller fish. By looking after manta rays, we’re also helping countless other marine species—and, in turn, supporting the health of our oceans and our own coastal livelihoods. How do you think we can better protect these gentle giants and their underwater neighborhoods? #Science #FloridaWildlife #MantaRays10Share
Cassandra Snyder+FollowGiant pythons are changing Florida lifeGiant Burmese pythons aren’t just a wild Everglades story anymore—they’re showing up in Florida neighborhoods, reshaping local wildlife, and spreading faster than anyone expected. These massive snakes, once rare pets, now dominate wetlands and are wiping out native animals, with some mammal populations dropping by 90%. Experts say the Gulf Coast is the next front, and more outbreaks are likely as pythons follow canals and waterways into new areas. Florida’s response mixes high-stakes hunts, citizen action, and tech, but the challenge is growing. How would you feel finding a 15-foot snake near your home? What should communities do next? #Pets #FloridaWildlife #InvasiveSpecies00Share
Jessica Hodge+FollowFlorida manatee’s rescue reveals hidden dangersA pregnant manatee named Tawana was finally freed from a painful entanglement after nearly a year of rescue attempts across Florida’s springs and rivers. The team removed six strands of fishing line cutting into her flipper, likely saving her from permanent injury. What’s striking is how common these threats are for local wildlife—monofilament lines and other debris can turn any waterway into a hazard zone. Tawana’s story is a wake-up call for all of us who enjoy Florida’s outdoors: small actions, like picking up stray fishing line, can make a huge difference. How do you think we can better protect our manatees? #Science #FloridaWildlife #ManateeRescue170Share
Tanya Jackson+FollowSpotting Florida’s rarest cranes up closeSeeing a five-foot-tall white Whooping Crane in Florida is a true wildlife jackpot—these endangered birds were nearly wiped out, and now only a handful winter here under close watch. Meanwhile, Florida Sandhill Cranes, with their gray feathers and red crowns, have become such locals that you might spot them strolling through neighborhoods or golf courses. Both species are vital to our wetlands, but face threats from development and habitat loss. Have you ever seen either of these cranes in the wild? What do you think we can do as a community to help protect their habitats? #Pets #FloridaWildlife #Birdwatching67835Share
Joshua Townsend+FollowAlligator chills out in The Villages pondAn alligator in The Villages found the ultimate way to beat the Florida heat—by floating right in the middle of a local pond, not too hot on the shore and not too chilly underwater. Residents spotted the gator lounging comfortably for hours, perfectly content in its chosen spot. It’s a classic Florida moment that reminds us how wildlife adapts to our neighborhoods. Have you seen any interesting animals around your area lately? Share your photos and stories! #Pets #TheVillages #FloridaWildlife34441Share
