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Sick Birds, Nuisance Gators: How to Avoid Negative Impacts on Florida Wildlife

Alligator photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons / Cardinal photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife by Karen Parker
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/34451649605/in/album-72157680697133822/

Cardinals in Florida have been sickened or killed due to crowded and potentially unclean bird feeders and bird baths. Ornery alligators are increasingly making their way into pools, yards, and other human habitats as they search for a mate. It's the time of year when wildlife experts are urging residents of Southwest Florida to be alert to possible wildlife interactions.

Biologist and wildlife veterinarian Dr. Heather Barron, hospital director for the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, joins the show to discuss the impacts on wildlife, the sick and injured birds and other wildlife CROW has seen this year, and how to clean and maintain artificial feeding stations in ways that won't impact the birds.

Also joining the show is Dr. John Herman, a biology professor at FGCU, on ways to be alert and aware when it comes to mating gators and other wildlife interactions when it comes to Florida's iconic reptiles and amphibians. 

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.
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