Naturally Florida

THANK YOU to all our loyal listeners that completed our annual podcast survey! If you missed out, no worries, you can give us feedback anytime on our website or try again next year starting in the Fall when we launch our survey again.   In this episode, we explore the world of oysters. What are they? What do they do? What happens when they die? Eastern oysters play a critical role in Florida’s estuarine habitats, supporting hundreds of species big and small. Learn all about oysters and how you can support them in this episode. Learn More: • Eastern Oyster - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/eastern-oyster • Eastern Oyster Biology - ⁠ https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/mollusc/eastern-oysters/biology/ • Oyster Reef Habitat - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/oyster-reef-habitat How You Can Help: • Consider installing a vertical oyster garden off your dock, or paint one to hang as décor in your home as a talking point for family and friends. Reach out to your local Florida Sea Grant Agent to find out if you have VOG efforts in your county.   • Keep eating oysters! By consuming oysters, you are supporting the oyster industry and the restoration efforts throughout Florida utilizing recycling oyster shell for living shoreline projects and more! Sources for this Episode: • TBEP Oyster Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) - https://tampabay.wateratlas.usf.edu/oyster-habitat-suitability/ • Historical ecology with real numbers: past and present extent and biomass of an imperiled estuarine habitat - http://www.oyster-restoration.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/zuErmgassen_etal_historical_ecology_2012.pdf •What is a bivalve mollusk? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bivalve.html • Oyster Shell Recycling Pilot Program - ⁠⁠ https://pinellas.gov/programs/oyster-shell-recycling-pilot-program/ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations⁠

On today's episode we're talking turkey - the wild turkey, that is! Learn all about Florida's wild turkey species, their biology, and even bust a myth or two. Learn More: See a turkey swim: Youtube Video from @southernoutlawadventures5106 on youtube.com Learn everything you could ever want to know about turkeys and managing habitat for turkeys, by listening to Wild Turkey Science How You Can Help: Support prescribed fire initiatives in and around your Florida community.Plant forage species in your suburban or rural yard that support turkeys: https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/7-grasses-and-forbs-you-need-on-your-propertyReduce the use of broadcast insecticides in your yard and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Sources: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sumterco/2022/12/31/wildlife-invasive-species-education-wise-species-profile-wild-turkey/   https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wild_Turkey/overview  https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/game-birds/wild-turkeys/

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the state’s most fascinating plant groups: carnivorous plants. These spooky species have adapted to capture prey in some of Florida’s most nutrient-poor environments. We’ll talk about how they trap their meals, their role in the ecosystem, and where you can spot these unique plants across the state. Learn More: • Pinellas Predatory Plants - https://youtu.be/gG0XNhSnSvQ?si=_27ONm-oA3pNOHH6 • Carnivorous Plants - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/carnivorous-plants/ • Carnivorous plants – novel natives with showy flowers - https://www.flawildflowers.org/2022-spring-bloom-report/ • Carnivorous Plants – Both Rare and Well Done – Along the Apalachicola – UPDATED - https://blog.wfsu.org/blog-coastal-health/2022/04/carnivorous-plants-both-rare-and-well-done-along-the-apalachicola/ • Florida’s Carnivorous Plants - https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1728-floridas-carnivorous-plants.aspx How You Can Help: • Do Not Poach them! Many of the species are state or federally threatened, due to illegal harvesting from the wild and the destruction of their wetland habitats. Seeds or plants can be purchased from reputable nurseries and seed sources. Many species available for purchase are native to Florida and can be grown in rain gardens or in sunny spots. • Support habitat restoration and maintenance through prescribed fire. In Florida, many of these species are also fire dependent, like the ecosystems they grow in – yes, even the wetlands! • Build memories with these species – seek them out, learn about them with your friends and family - https://www.flawildflowers.org/2022-spring-bloom-report/ Sources for this Episode: Pinellas Predatory Plants - ⁠https://youtu.be/gG0XNhSnSvQ?si=_27ONm-oA3pNOHH6 ⁠ • Carnivorous Plants - ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/carnivorous-plants/ ⁠ • Carnivorous plants – novel natives with showy flowers -⁠ https://www.flawildflowers.org/2022-spring-bloom-report/ ⁠ • Carnivorous Plants – Both Rare and Well Done – Along the Apalachicola – UPDATED - ⁠https://blog.wfsu.org/blog-coastal-health/2022/04/carnivorous-plants-both-rare-and-well-done-along-the-apalachicola/ ⁠ • Florida’s Carnivorous Plants - ⁠https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1728-floridas-carnivorous-plants.aspx ⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Pollinators are the unsung heroes of Florida’s ecosystems, supporting the reproduction of our flowering plants in urban, suburban and natural areas. Pollinator populations are declining, and organizations are urging people to take action to support pollinators in their areas of influence. There is a lot of buzz around the topics of pollinators these days, but who are they? What are they doing? Where do they go? Find out this and more in today’s episode.   Learn More: Insect Pollinators - https://www.fnps.org/plants/pollinators Know your native pollinators - https://www.flawildflowers.org/pollinators/ Pollinator Plants: Florida - https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/17-046_03_XercesSoc_Pollinator-Plants_Florida_web-3page.pdf Creating a Native Wildflower Garden in Your Central Florida Yard - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-a-native-wildflower-garden-in-your-central/id1724213516?i=1000648747914 How You Can Help: Support pollinators in your yard by spreading wildflower seeds and planting a variety of native plants - https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/osceola/documents/agriculture/Pollinator-Plants-for-Osceola-County-Urban-Landscapes.pdf Consider leaving a patch of bare, open ground or install a bee house/hotel for nesting - https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-manage-a-successful-bee-hotel/what-is-a-bee-hotel Create a no-mow area in your yard and leave area unmown November-May - https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2022/07/26/no-mow-lawns-in-florida/ Use pesticides as a last resort, learn integrated pest management - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/integrated-pest-management/   Sources for this Episode:  Attracting Bees and Other Beneficial Insects with Florida’s Native Wildflowers -https://www.flawildflowers.org/attracting-bees/ The Importance of Pollinators - https://www.usda.gov/peoples-garden/pollinators Pollinator Syndromes - https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/Pollinator_Syndromes.pdf

If the title of this episode sounds familiar, you must be a Creedance Clearwater Revival fan like Shannon is! Well, CCR might have actually been singing about seeing the rain but on today's episode of Naturally Florida, we're talking about smelling the rain. Rather, more accurately, we're talking about the smell before the rain, also known as Petrichor. Learn more: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2023/08/02/weeklyhttps://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/students/highschool/chemistryclubs/infographics/petrichor-the-smell-of-rain.pdf Sources: https://news.mit.edu/2015/rainfall-can-release-aerosols-0114

Snakes play a critical role in our ecosystems, keeping rodent populations in check and supplying birds of prey with an excellent food source. But our snakes are facing a new threat, an invasive parasite, Raillietiella orientalis from Asia and Africa. This worm-like crustacean, believed to have come over with the invasive Burmese Python, is infecting the respiratory system of our native snakes. It is spreading rapidly, and ongoing research is documenting its spread and impact.     Learn More:   Invasive Snake Lungworm: Raillietiella orientalis - https://invasionscience.ufl.edu/media/invasionscienceufledu/images/docs/Disease_-FactSheet_Snake_Lung_Parasite.pdf   Snake Lungworm Alliance and Monitoring - https://invasionscience.ufl.edu/media/invasionscienceufledu/images/docs/SLAM_Brochure.pdf   Parasite spillover: indirect effects of invasive Burmese pythons - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5773325/     How You Can Help:   Report sightings of dead snakes, especially if pentastomes present (coming out of snake’s mouth) on Snake Lungworm Alliance and Monitoring (SLAM) website: https://invasionscience.ufl.edu/slam/   Researchers are concerned about the possible spread of this parasite through the pet trade. Please report any sick or dying snakes purchased via the pet trade through the SLAM website.   Think before you kill a snake in your yard. Snakes are critical in rodent control and a food source for our birds of prey. You can also consider providing an area of your yard for snake habitat. This would include an area where you let the grass grow tall, establish a brush pile, or stack firewood.   Sources for this Episode:   Invasive Snake Lungworm: Raillietiella orientalis - https://invasionscience.ufl.edu/media/invasionscienceufledu/images/docs/Disease_-FactSheet_Snake_Lung_Parasite.pdf   Snake Lungworm Alliance and Monitoring - https://invasionscience.ufl.edu/media/invasionscienceufledu/images/docs/SLAM_Brochure.pdf   Parasite spillover: indirect effects of invasive Burmese pythons - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5773325/  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an iconic plant of Florida, often dominating the understory of pine flatwoods habitats. Not only is saw palmetto endemic to Florida and the southeastern U.S., but it has also been referred to as a keystone species! A plant as a keystone species? YES!   Keystone Species - a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.  For most of the year, saw palmetto fronds stand proud and upright showcasing their unique fan-shaped leaves with long, stiff, pointed leaflets and spikey leaf stems. They reflect the sun’s rays with their waxy coated, muted green and sometimes yellow leaves. From far away, saw palmetto may seem to serve little benefit to the environment other than taking up a lot of space. Upon closer inspection, saw palmetto create their own little world for numerous wildlife species big and small.      Learn More:   Parsing Through the Palmettos (blog by Lara): https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2018/02/13/palmettos/   Fire Effects Information System – Species: Serenoa repens https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/serrep/all.html   The Diversity of Insects Visiting Flowers of Saw Palmetto (Arecaceae): https://www.jstor.org/stable/23268495     How You Can Help:   Protect saw palmetto where you can (your yard, speak up if plans to remove at local park/neighborhood)   Report poachers by calling your local non-emergency number or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline   Plant saw palmetto where you can. You can find a native plant nursery near you: https://www.fann.org/   Support prescribed burning financially or through letters of support to your elected officials    Sources for this Episode:   The Diversity of Insects Visiting Flowers of Saw Palmetto (Arecaceae): https://www.jstor.org/stable/23268495  Pollination Biology of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) in Southwestern Florida: https://palms.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/vol47n2p95-103.pdf   The Quarterly Journal of the Florida Native Plant Society: Palmetto. The Palmetto Issues, Volume 33: Number 3 > 2016: https://www.fnps.org/assets/pdf/palmetto_issues/Palmetto_33-3.pdf

The marsh rabbit is a medium-sized rabbit with short, rounded ears, and small feet. It is similar in appearance to the more familiar eastern cottontail rabbit but without the white color of their tail. The marsh rabbit is found in the southeastern United States from southeast Virginia (in the Dismal Swamp), along the east coast to eastern Alabama, and the Florida peninsula and the islands along the coast of Florida. There is a subspecies of the marsh rabbit, which is endangered and only found in (endemic to) the lower Florida Keys. Marsh rabbits live near freshwater and brackish marshes and wet prairies and can even be found in flooded agricultural fields. The main threat to marsh rabbits is habitat loss from human development and fragmentation. Their population also declines due to hurricanes and coastal flooding. This is especially true for the Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit. The Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit population has been declining since at least the 1960s because of the loss and degradation of suitable habitats because of human development. The Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit was once common throughout the Lower Florida Keys (the Lower Florida Keys begins at Big Pine Key and ends at the island of Key West) but is now only found on 13 islands. Sea level rise has been projected to seriously threaten the population and its ability to survive on these islands. The threat of sea level rise has grown because these coastal ecosystems cannot migrate inland due to human development and infrastructure, often called coastal squeeze.   Learn More:   Lower Keys Rabbit: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/lower-keys-rabbit/   Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit: https://www.fws.gov/species/lower-keys-marsh-rabbit-sylvilagus-palustris-hefneri   Marsh Rabbit: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/marsh-rabbit/   This or That? Eastern Cottontail or Marsh Rabbit: https://youtu.be/maFhVuEC6jU   How You Can Help:   Get involved with your local city or county leaders and elected officials. Advocate for low impact development, green infrastructure and living shorelines where possible.  Keep your cat indoors and do not support feeding of feral cat populations.   Practice sustainable tourism when visiting the Florida Keys or anywhere in Florida. Check out Car Free Key West (https://www.carfreekeywest.com/), Florida Green Lodging (https://floridadep.gov/osi/green-lodging), and the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Certification Program (https://www.flseagrant.org/fisheries/florida-friendly-fishing-guide-certification-program/)   Sources for this Episode:   Impacts of a half century of sea-level rise and development on an endangered mammal: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.12024   Population Estimation and Monitoring of an Endangered Lagomorph: https://www.jstor.org/stable/41418016   Lower Keys Rabbit: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/lower-keys-rabbit/

In this episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance and control, and ways you can yourself from these important, but sometimes pesky insects. Learn More: UF/IFAS Document about mosquito repellents (Table of effectiveness at end): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN419Mosquitoes & Their Control: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction Around Homes and Neighborhoods - https://www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/_documents/fl-resident-guide-to-mosquito-control-ifas.pdfMosquito Control Programs - Mosquito Control Programs / Mosquito Control / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance - Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov) How You Can Help: Follow the 3-D’s: Dump standing water; Dress in loose, light-colored, long sleeves and pants; Defend using a CED recommended repellent.Reach out to your local Mosquito Control District if you’re still having issues with mosquitoes despite efforts to control them around your home: Mosquito Control Programs / Mosquito Control / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)Share this episode or information from this episode with family, friends and colleagues. Sources for this Episode: Mosquitoes - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/mosquitoesFDACS Public Health Applicator’s Manual -https://ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/109002/file/Public-Health-Manual-2023.pdfDivision of Vector-Borne Diseases - https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/index.html   Special thanks to Alissa Berro, Section Manager, Public Works, Pinellas County for assistance in the script writing of this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

In this episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance and control, and ways you can yourself from these important, but sometimes pesky insects. Learn More: UF/IFAS Document about mosquito repellents (Table of effectiveness at end): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN419Mosquitoes & Their Control: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction Around Homes and Neighborhoods - https://www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/_documents/fl-resident-guide-to-mosquito-control-ifas.pdfMosquito Control Programs - Mosquito Control Programs / Mosquito Control / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance - Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov) How You Can Help: Follow the 3-D’s: Dump standing water; Dress in loose, light-colored, long sleeves and pants; Defend using a CED recommended repellent.Reach out to your local Mosquito Control District if you’re still having issues with mosquitoes despite efforts to control them around your home: Mosquito Control Programs / Mosquito Control / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)Share this episode or information from this episode with family, friends and colleagues. Sources for this Episode: Mosquitoes - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/mosquitoesFDACS Public Health Applicator’s Manual -https://ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/109002/file/Public-Health-Manual-2023.pdfDivision of Vector-Borne Diseases - https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/index.html   Special thanks to Alissa Berro, Section Manager, Public Works, Pinellas County for assistance in the script writing of this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Today's episode is all about Florida's pink birds, including the iconic roseate spoonbill and American flamingo. Learn More: Read the NPR article we discussed about Hurricane Idalia and Flamingo sightings.View iNaturalist observations of Flamingos since 2020 How to Help: Don't feed water birds: Read why, here.Respect wildlife - view from a distance! Watch a short video about 'Rule of Thumb' for wildlife viewing, here.Submit your observations to iNaturalist. Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Roseate_Tern/overview https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/american-flamingo/ https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/roseate-spoonbill/  If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

In this episode, we explore the two species of skunks found in Florida. A mammal that is so unique, it recently divided from a subfamily of the weasel to become its own family, a stinky one! There is a lot to learn about these mysterious creatures. We will explore the species of life history of Florida’s skunks, where you can find them, some fun skunk behavior and more! ⁠ Learn More:  Eastern Spotted Skunk Conservation Plan - Microsoft Word - ESS Conservation Plan July82019 (weebly.com)  Skunks - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/skunks/  Living with Skunks - myfwc.com/media/25513/livingwithskunks.pdf    How You Can Help:  FWC is interested in collecting carcasses of eastern spotted skunks for future genetic analyses. If you observe a deceased spotted skunk, please email skunks@myfwc.com. You can report both species of skunks (dead or alive) on iNaturalist - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations    If you see a skunk, it is not cause for alarm...don’t call a wildlife trapper, just let it be.  Sources for this Episode:  Eastern Spotted Skunk Conservation Plan - Microsoft Word - ESS Conservation Plan July82019 (weebly.com)  Skunks - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/skunks/  Eastern Spotted Skunk Cooperative Study Group - https://easternspottedskunk.weebly.com/

How do you feel about snakes? Not a fan? Well, while we believe snakes are friends, not foes, we recognize it may be comforting to know that the vast majority of snakes in Florida are non-venomous and largely cannot hurt you or your family. On today's episode, we go on a deep dive about Florida's venomous snakes. Learn more: Read about identifying the water moccasin and the banded water snake (non-venomous) OR watch this video Need a refresher on 3 common snakes in residential areas? Listen here: Three Common Snakes in Residential Areas (Podcast Episode)Dealing With Snakes - Emergency PlanningPreventing Negative Encounters with SnakesFlorida Snakes (Youtube Video) Calls to action: Spread the word! Snakes are friends, not foes. They provide a critical link in our food web and are both predator and prey. MOST snakes you see are non-venomous.Avoid Snake-bite Kits: The only snake-bite kit you need is your cell phone! If you are bitten by a venomous snake OR a snake you can't identify, call 911. Do not wait for symptoms to develop, this is an emergency and time is of the essence. Sources: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/dealing_with_snakes.shtml https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/venomous_snake_identification.shtmlhttps://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/snakes/

Manatees are Florida’s gentle giants and are a sight to behold. They are state and federally protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 according to FWC. These gentle giants are Florida’s true natives, and we need to be respectful of these creatures when entering water ways. The goal is to actively co-exist with Florida wildlife. To properly do this we must first learn where we can find manatees, why we can find them in freshwater during the winter months, what they eat, and how we can protect these gentle creatures.     Learn More: Florida Manatee Facts and Information - https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/facts-and-information/Manatee Overview - https://www.fws.gov/species/manatee-trichechus-manatusMarine Mammal Commission: Florida Manatee - https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/florida-manatee/Where Can I See Manatees in Florida? https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/where-to-see/ How You Can Help: Boaters should practice best boating practices by adhering to manatee caution signs, no wake zones, and watching for a manatee’s swim patterns.Keep a safe distance if you do see a manatee.Report injured, orphaned, entangled, distressed or dead manatees to the FWC WIldlife Alert Hotline 888-404-3922.  You can also download their app, “FWC Wildlife Alert”. You can text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the situation. You can also submit a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert Monitor fertilizer runoff from yards that back into a known manatee area.  You can support manatee conservation indirection through the “Save the Manatee License Plate” Sources for this Episode: Florida Manatee Facts and Information - https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/facts-and-information/Manatee Overview - https://www.fws.gov/species/manatee-trichechus-manatusMarine Mammal Commission: Florida Manatee - https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/florida-manatee/ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Florida black bears have been in the news, frequently, this year! On today's episode, we chat about the Florida black bear's diet, behavior, and biology, and provide some tips for co-existing with our resident bears. Learn More: Living with the Florida black bear - https://www.myfwc.com/bear⁠Where are the large bear populations? - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/bear-management-units/ How You Can Help: Limit attractants in your yard and protect bears from accessing your garbage cans. Be bear aware: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/living/ Report a sick, injured, orphaned, or dead bear: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/nuisance-contact/ If you live in areas with a lot of bear activity, learn how to "Scare That Bear!" here: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/living/scare/ Sources for this Episode: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: https://www.myfwc.com/bear⁠⁠Bears and Apiaries (UF/IFAS): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1318 Living with Black Bears: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2017/04/24/florida-black-bears/ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

THANK YOU to all of our loyal listeners! Has this podcast made a difference in your life? The survey is now closed, but we look forward to hearing from you again next fall! If you have comments or topics for next season, submit them at ⁠www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com⁠ If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms" commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB? Are all algae bad? Learn this and more in today’s episode. Learn More: Protecting Florida Together - https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/ Marine HABs - https://myfwc.com/redtide/ Freshwater HABs - https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloomU.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms - https://hab.whoi.edu/ How You Can Help: Limit your contribution to excess nutrients by fertilizing only when necessary, ensuring you blow grass clippings back on the landscape (not down a storm drain…that’s illegal), plant native plants to help with nutrient uptake, and check that your down spout is directed into your landscape and not down your driveway. Report an algal bloom in a freshwater system - www.reportalgalbloom.comReport fish kills at the Fish Kill Hotline 1-800-636-0511Avoid contact with water that has algae blooms Sources for this Episode: Historical Occurrence of HABs - https://hab.whoi.edu/about/historical-occurrence-of-habs/An Introduction to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Florida - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOi156_jl9cHarmful Algal Blooms - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/harmful_algal_blooms If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations⁠⁠

THANK YOU to all of our loyal listeners! Has this podcast made a difference in your life? The survey is now closed, but we look forward to hearing from you again next fall! If you have comments or topics for next season, submit them at www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com Although fireworks are a staple for celebrations around the world, the explosives almost always contain pollutants like heavy metals, perchlorates, and aerosols, which harm air and water quality. The noise and flashes can startle many organisms, sometimes leading to nesting birds scattering, leaving their young vulnerable to predators. The good news is, there are many alternatives to traditional fireworks shows— making the switch would help protect Florida wildlife and ecosystems.  Learn More: Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment – https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/Fulltext/PC22040 Keeping wildlife safe on Independence Day –https://www.fws.gov/story/keeping-wildlife-safe-independence-dayBirds flee en mass from New Year's Eve fireworks –https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/22/6/1173/218852#79500851 How You Can Help: Search for a "Drone Light Show" or "Laser Light Show" near you to watch instead of doing your own fireworks at home. Or, watch a local city or town's fireworks show.Celebrate a firework-less Fourth of July with drones, bubble guns, or confetti cannons - https://www.popsci.com/environment/fireworks-alternatives/Consider purchasing quiet fireworks - https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/science/july-4-fireworks-quiet.html Sources for this Episode: Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment – ⁠https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/Fulltext/PC22040 ⁠The impact of fireworks on airborne particles - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1352231007009685Environmental impacts of perchlorate with special reference to fireworks - a review - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-014-3921-4 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations⁠

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the sounds of summer. This episode’s focus is all about commonly heard frogs in Florida. We have 33 species of frog in the state. More often heard than seen, this episode features six frog species, including some basic physical and audio identification information, habitats, what you can do to help, and more! Learn More: Florida’s Frogs –  https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/florida.shtmlFrogs & Toads of Florida – https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/frogstoads/image_index.phpFrog Call Lookup – https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup How You Can Help: Consider installing Treefrog Houses ( https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW308) or installing an artificial pondPlant native vegetation which will provide shelter and attract pollinators, a critical food source for many frog species – https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/Consider implementing Integrated Pest Management to limit your use of pesticides – https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/integrated-pest-management.html Install a water feature - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/water-gardens.html Sources for this Episode: Amphibian Contributions to Ecosystem Services – https://scholars.unh.edu/nhaes/330/Florida’s Frogs –  https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/florida.shtmlFrog Call Lookup – https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here! If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

The creepiest, crawliest, grossest of arachnids, in our opinion, are ticks. And no, we don't feel bad calling them gross! Tick-borne illnesses can wreak havoc on people's lives and there is still so much we don't know about them. On today's episode, learn what we DO know about ticks in Florida, the diseases they may carry, and what to do to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from ticks. Learn More:   Florida-specific tick information: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/family-resources/ticks-and-disease/ (UF/IFAS) and https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tick-and-insect-borne-diseases/index.html (FL Dept. of Health)The CDC has a wonderful tool to identify the best insect repellants for various activities. Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn, "How to choose the right insect repellent": https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you (CDC)More information on the diseases Ticks can carry and where they are found: ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html⁠  (CDC) Call to Action:  Learn about tick-bite prevention! That's really our only Call to Action this month. Preventing Tick bites before going outdoors, and after: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html (CDC)Dog checks: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html (CDC) Sources for Show Notes:  Reptile Host Associations of Ixodes Scapularis in Florida and Implications for Borrelia Spp. Ecology⁠A Survey of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in FloridaFacts About Wildlife Diseases Ehrlichiosis1Ticks and Tick-Borne Infections Complex Ecology, Agents, and Host InteractionsPreventing Tick BitesPreventing Ticks in the YardHow Ticks Spread Disease

What comes to mind when you think of summer? Hot. Beaches. No school. What about singing insects? No? Perhaps not, but we’re sure you’ve heard the sounds of summer. Nobody sounds the alarm for summer weather like our native cicadas. Find out about them and more in today’s episode.   Learn more:  Common Grasshoppers in Florida -  https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN010   Cicadas of Florida - ⁠https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/bugs/cicadas.htm  Singing Insects of North America - https://orthsoc.org/sina/index.htm   Eastern Lubber Grasshopper - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN132   How You Can Help:  Leave portions of your yard unmown  Reduce use of lawn chemicals  Be tolerant of chewed leaves  Sources for this Episode:  Singing Insects of North America - https://orthsoc.org/sina/index.htm   Songs of Insects – A Guide to the Voices of Crickets, Katydids & Cicadas - http://songsofinsects.com/   Singing Insects: Our Overlooked Outside Chorus - https://youtu.be/VBVzeV8sKXQ   If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!  If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations