Wildlife

A klarge section of the Antarctic is doomed to melt despite any changes humans may make, a new study has found.

Even with carbon emissions cuts, a key part of Antarctica is doomed to slow collapse, study says

The Associated Press

No matter how much the world cuts back on carbon emissions, a key and sizable chunk of Antarctica is essentially doomed to an “unavoidable” melt, a new study found.

Eaglet E22 sits on a branch at the nesting tree along Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers on Friday, May 19.

Environment

A SWFL Eagle Cam season to remember — might it be the last?

Tara Calligan

What a different year 2022-2023 has been for SWFL Eagle Cam eagles Harriet and M15 and eaglets E21 and E22. A special Gulf Coast Life on Monday will take a look back at the season.

A proposed new conservation area, if approved, would be woven together in the same public and private fashion that created the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, above, established a decade ago.

Environment

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service seeks public input on proposed SWFL wildlife conservation area

WGCU Staff

The proposed new conservation area, if approved, would be woven together in the same public and private fashion that created the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area established a decade ago.

Eaglets E21 and E22 preen each other's neck and head on Feb 22, 2023.

What will happen without Harriet? SWFL Eagle Cam gives nest update

Tara Calligan

Southwest Florida Eagle Cam has been livestreaming an intimate view of a North Fort Myers eagle’s nest since 2012. But with female eagle Harriet missing since February 2 after her two chicks hatched, the future of the eagle family is uncertain. Southwest Florida Eagle Cam co-founder Ginny Pritchett McSpadden joins us with an update on the the nest.

M15 feeds one of the eaglets in the Bayshore Road nest on Sunday. The drama involving Harriet the eagle at the Bayshore Road nest in North Fort Myers has caused some to become upset and make suggestions about placing food at the nesting tree and other recommendations, some of which go against federal laws governing protected species and can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both.

Environment

Harriet still missing; Caution urged to those with concerns about feeding, eaglet care; huge fines, prison could be result

Michael Braun

The drama involving Harriet the eagle at the Bayshore Road nest in North Fort Myers has caused some to become upset and make suggestions about placing food at the nesting tree and other recommendations, some of which go against federal laws governing protected species and can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both,.

North Fort Myers eagles Harriet, M15 now incubating two eggs

Michael Braun

Ozzie and Harriet were the North Fort Myers site's original bald eagle pair, making the nest their home every year from fall to spring since 2006. Ozzie was injured and died in fall 2015. Harriet & M15 bonded later in the fall of 2015. Cameras have watched the North Fort Myers eagle nest for 12 years.

Wildlife veterinarian Lara Cusack handles more kittens belonging to FP224. These young cats were measured and given immunity boosters while their mother was hunting away from the den. When panthers have space and protected habitats, their populations can grow. Only about one in three Florida panther kittens survives to adulthood. (Carlton Ward, Jr./National Geographic Society)

Florida Wildlife Corridor Project founder reflects on first year of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act

Mike Kiniry

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act was signed into law just over a year ago. Learn more about this ongoing effort to protect Florida’s lands and wildlife.

Construction site located on Ben Hill Griffin, across from Florida Gulf Coast University's campus. When land is cleared, wildlife is forced to relocate and pushed out of their natural habitat.

Increases in development in SWFL cause some to question the preservation of wildlife

Katiuska Carrillo

Cleared land and construction sites are commonplace in Southwest Florida. According to U.S. Census data, Lee County is the second fastest-growing county in the state. The increase in population leads to the need for more development, which raises the question of how to preserve the wildlife that makes this region so unique.

Renowned photographer Mac Stone’s submission recognized for illuminating the urgent challenges of a planet under pressure. Stone’s subject, an adult raccoon carrying a newborn kit through water, shows how difficult it can be for native wildlife to live in the swamp with its dramatic seasonal rise and fall of water levels. While these species have evolved here and are well-equipped to survive, they still need to get creative when Mother Nature throws a curveball.

National Geographic Explorer Mac Stone awarded in International Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest with Corkscrew photo

Tara Calligan

Awarded in the Mammals Behavior category and titled “Come High Water,” Mac Stone's photograph shows a mother raccoon rescuing her newborn after a storm likely flooded out her nest. Hear how Stone captured this award-winning image and learn more about his journey through wildlife photography.

Contribute Your Bird Sightings to Science

Cary Barbor

If the stay-at-home order has allowed you to get to know your local birds better, you can contribute what you’re seeing to a worldwide scientific effort.…