Walking with the Alligators

Walking with the Alligators
A Florida Alligator

June 28, 2011

We Are Still in a Drought in Much of Florida

We finally have begun to get our much needed rain here in the Ocala Forest, but what about all of our Lakes?
Okeechobee is still low and many lakes in this County remain well below normal.
A lack of rain for so long followed by recent heavy rains has caused some sink holes.
Here is a great place to see exactly what is happening at Okeechobee:

June 25, 2011

A Very Smart Bird!

The very rare Roseate Terns have many choices in the area to make their homes.
So, where do they choose to do so?
On the roof of the FWC building in Marathon, in the Florida Keys, that's where!
Due to all of the usual reasons, there are only about 300 pairs left here.
This roof top has about 67 nests and they are all very closely watched.
Smart birds!

June 22, 2011

A Manatee Update......

After all of the recent sad news, how great is this?
This story in today's St. Pete Times is exactly what Manatees need.

June 19, 2011

Have a Safe, Happy Father's Day Florida

And while you are out on the water in your boats, please be aware that the extreme low water levels statewide are making Boat/Manatee collisions more likely than ever before.
Low water levels aren't the only hazard for the Endangered Florida Manatee, Flagler County recently made a crucial decision about them:
And there is also danger on the rivers in Northern Florida:

June 16, 2011

Should What We Do in our Private Life be Made Public?

This information is not new, but the point is, should you and others be made aware of it?
Elephants are not an Endangered Florida Species, so should it even be brought up on this website?
You tell me.
If after reading the story, you feel as disgusted as I was, please let this man know.
Since he is a business man first and foremost, maybe the best way to voice your displeasure with his actions, is to not do business with his company, ever!

June 13, 2011

Florida's Drought is Number One Topic Now

All over Florida Humans and Wildlife are feeling the impact of the worst drought here in 80 years and if the rain doesn't start soon and begin our wet season, the wounds will be deep and painful for all of us.
Sad to say, but the complete absence of Hurricanes recently has really hurt state water levels and without any of them for the past three years, Florida is just about to dry up and blow away.
In 1998, when the weather was quite similar to this year, we had one of the worst fire seasons ever.
If we don't get some serious rain and very soon, we could have a repeat of that year.
Humans can buy bottled water and cut back on use, but what do the wild things do?
There is no where for them to get water if everything is all dried up.
Florida is looking more and more like a desert every day and we gave away our precious water to out of state bottling companies for free!
Thank you to all those who are guilty of this stupid move.
You know who you are.
And the people who vote and pay your salaries are learning who you are too.

June 10, 2011

My First Black Bear

Today for the first time in my life,  I saw a Black Bear.
I was on my way into town from our house in the Ocala Forest and it was just sort of sitting in the middle of the road, gasp.
I stopped my car and we looked at each other for a bit.
I am quite sure that I was not breathing.
Then it ambled back in the woods as I talked to it.
It was not very old, probably a teenager.
Its coat was so black and shiny, like it had just been bathed and polished up for a photograph.
It was so beautiful, so unexpected, it was hard to stay quiet.
What came to mind as it looked into my eyes was this:
How on Earth could anyone ever, ever shoot this gift to us?
He/she is not aware that it has just been taken off of the Threatened Species List and very soon, humans will come start coming in great numbers to blow its brains out, so that they can hang its head on a wall as a trophy, or proof of their great hunting skills.
And just who is truly the animal here?

June 7, 2011

Florida Forever Funding Cut for Third Year in a Row

If you don't know what this group is or what it does, you should.
What they are trying to do, like the salmon swimming upstream,
is to save Florida's last Wild Lands for our children and their children.

June 3, 2011

Great Advice for Those Who Write About the Endangered World

Many times over the years since I began writing about Endangered Wildlife, exactly what this woman is saying, has also occurred to me, that I need to be careful about telling what and where Endangered things are.
Sadly, she is quite correct.
There are many out there whose only interest in our planet is in finding out how they can profit from tragic situations.
So, thank you Julie, advice taken and passed along!

May 31, 2011

Unlike Ewya in Avatar, no one heard Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee will be drained to send water to US Sugar
and the entire south of Florida to use as they please.
Never mind that the Lake is now at a level that sends shivers down
the spines of all concerned with the Wildlife that depends on it.
It matters not.
The South Florida Water Management District has made the decision.
One member on this Board is Trudi Williams who recently said that the
Florida Panther really does not need any further special protection.
See that story below in this Blog dated Jan. 31, 2011.
The Lake is gong to be drained by pumps and no one, it would seem,
cares about the extreme damage that this will cause the entire Ecosystem.
Money speaks louder than any other voice, always.

May 28, 2011

Are you kidding, we need another power plant in Florida?

As if the Florida Panther has not suffered enough at the hands of Humans...
wait for it....
A new power plant is about to be built right smack in the middle of their Habitat.
This story lays out all of the details and then tells you how you can get involved and tell FPL to go somewhere else to build.
Right now it is only in planning stages, so influence from the public can affect the outcome.
Florida Panthers have run out of room and out of time, they are at the end of the log.
Please write to the man at the top, Lewis Hay, CEO Florida Power and Light.
His email: lew_hay@fpl.com
Great story, great information:

May 25, 2011

Let Lisa Jackson, the Head of the EPA, Know that We Will Not Tolerate Mercury in Our Lives Anymore

This week there are events happening in several places around the country to address one of the most lethal toxins on our planet, Mercury.
It affects all of us, humans, pets and wildlife.
Mercury is very toxic and we must get it out of our environment and never allow big companies to push it back on us again.
The next time you eat fish, get your dog a Rabies shot or feed your children, you need to ask yourself this question:
Is there Mercury in this?
If you want to get involved:
or you can also:

May 22, 2011

Okeechobee is Hurting

Lake Okeechobee is at a seriously dangerous level right now.
It is so low, in fact that farmers may have to cut deep if South Florida wants to keep water flowing out of their faucets.
The current drought and years of wasted water have brought this once magnificent body of water, only one of two in the U.S. that can be seen from space, to its knees.
So much depends on this Lake, it is nearly incomprehensible that any one could be allowed to waste a single drop of it, but waste it they do, every single day.
There are many who are guilty of robbing Okeechobee of its lifeblood:
U.S. Sugar, Former Governors, endless companies and so many others who just keep taking, never giving a thought to what their greed is doing to Florida's well being.
Not only Endangered Wildlife, but the Everglades Ecosystem, go on life support when deprived of Okeechobee's constant fresh supply of life giving water.
Another factor in the low water levels is that very few hurricanes have made land fall in South Florida recently.
Although they cause much widespread damage throughout the area, they also replenish the Lake and the Everglades.
It is a double edged sword.
Everything in this area is totally dependant on Okeechobee to survive, two Ecosystems and all manner of man and beast.
But too much or too little water and the whole area becomes dysfunctional, nothing works in harmony anymore and all suffer.
To survive, we must all be in balance with one another.
What is the line from Avatar?
"They killed their Mother."

May 19, 2011

Endangered Species Day May 20, 2011

This Friday May 20, 2011 is Endangered Species Day and it will be a perfect day to reflect on the many successes of past imperiled Wildlife like the Bald Eagle, which, if you are lucky enough to live in Florida, can be seen every day all over the state, doing what they do best, just looking magnificent.
On the other side of the many great steps forward that have been made,
there still remain those who need to be protected, like the Florida Panther.
On Friday, please do think of these beautiful wild creatures who are a gift to mankind.
We must continue to do our very best to provide them with a Healthy Habitat to live in.
And for all of you Teachers:

May 16, 2011

Could New Bug Factory be a Double-Edged Sword?

Will the new bugs about to be introduced into the Everglades to eradicate invasive species, do their job or become just another nightmare for this already beleaguered Ecosystem?
Scientists have often in the past gone awry with their good intentions.
Can anyone remember why Heroin was introduced by Bayer?
It was to help Morphine addicts get straight.
We all know how that went, right?
Then Cocaine was introduced to fix both the problems.
So, what happens if these new bugs get out of hand and then turn on the Native Florida Plants and Insects?
Yes, we must do something to stop the onslaught of invasive plants and bugs, but is this really the best answer for the Everglades?
Let's hope that they do better with the bugs than the drugs!

May 13, 2011

Yes, these Two Questions are Quite Related.

Does Monsanto Want to Buy NPR to Keep Them Quiet?
Guess Which CEO Only Eats Organic?
Hugh Grant, not the English Actor, but the CEO of Monsanto,
the world's leading producer of GMO food (genetically modified organics)
only buys Organic Food.
Read the complete NPR Interview with him:
Bet he doesn't drink milk with Human Growth Hormones or GM food.
This story came from the NPR, (National Public Radio)
"what is that old story about keeping your friends
close and your enemies closer?"
Why does the head of USDA Tom Vilsack use the Monsanto Private Jet?
What can we do to stop the complete overtaking of our
world's food supply by Monsanto and their GMO?
Here is a list of ways to do just that:
15 Ways to Take a Stand Against Monsanto and Their GMO's

May 10, 2011

Exactly What is the Definition of Non Toxic?

Everyday, everywhere that we go we are surrounded by chemicals,
many of which are quite toxic to both humans and animals.
Did you know that our Government is protecting many of the companies
who produce these toxins and we are all put at risk with their blessings?
The myriad of childhood and pet diseases and cancers that are so prevalent now, were practically unheard of 50 years ago.
Why?
Because our environment was not saturated with the number of toxic chemicals that are now choking our water, air and land.
We are all subjected to what can be lethal doses of these toxins every day
and many of us don't even know that they are there.
And if you are waiting for the EPA and FDA to protect you,
don't hold your breath, but then again, maybe you should,
because the air is not what it used to be in many places today!

May 7, 2011

What Gives Us the Right to Experiment on Animals?

I have been aware of this story for weeks and was reluctant to put it up,
knowing that children frequently read the content here.
But after reading it again this morning, I feel it should be.
If after you read it, you want to respond, to do something,
please know this.
There are schools everywhere, right now, that are doing the same thing.
Where to begin?
As a lifelong animal lover, I cannot pretend that this is sane, it is not.
Experiments on animals, any animals, are disgusting.
I am a former Nurse, so for those of you who may say
"but what about finding cures for disease, etc.?"
I say this, if experiments to further the understanding of diseases 
need to be done, they should be done with willing participants,
which animals clearly are not.
Many years ago, when one of my most cherished Uncles was dying of cancer,
he went to the hospital and told them to do anything, try anything,
that might help someone else not suffer as much as he did.
He volunteered his life to better others.
The same is not true of animals that are captured and
then experimented on until they either die or are killed.
This is wrong and it needs to end.
How many of you would like to be treated as such?
We, the Human Race, are arrogant in thinking that
because we do not understand the language of animals,
that what they are saying is not of consequence.
Indeed, the animals are speaking to us and
for their sake and ours, we must start listening.

May 6, 2011

They've Got a New Attitude at the EPA

Why on Earth is anyone shocked by the new attitude of the EPA,
the Ruling Republican Party in Tallahassee or their stance on the Environment?
In a state ranked last, or next to last, in every category connected to Education and that still has not passed the ERA, you would expect them
to care about an Endangered animal or our Environment?
Florida lawmakers, the EPA and the current Administration are on a new course and it does not look good for our Environment, Education System or Endangered Wildlife.

May 2, 2011

$5,000 Reward for Leads to Florida Panther Killer

With so few left to continue their kind, it is unspeakable that anyone, least of all a local Floridian, who must be aware of their desperate state of existence, could shoot and kill the most endangered animal in this Country, the Florida Panther.
When the reward gets high enough, the killers friends or family may even turn them in for the money.