Florida teen captures 28 invasive snakes to get top prize in state's python challenge

A Florida teen captured an impressive 28 Burmese pythons during the state's annual challenge to hunt the invasive snakes, winning the $10,000 grand prize. He brought in nearly double the number of snakes as the hunter with the next highest amount of 15.

Florida Python Challenge results in removal of 230 invasive snakes from Everglades

More than 230 pythons were removed from the Florida Everglades as part of an annual competition to eliminate the invasive species from the South Florida wetlands preserve.

How to stop squirrels, other critters from eating your pumpkins

From cayenne pepper to owl decoys, here are some suggestions from experts on how to safely keep the squirrels at bay this Halloween.

Florida's ‘shark maternity ward’ may have been forever changed after direct hit by Hurricane Ian

Research from the longest-running study of shark mating behavior in the world is highlighting the importance of protecting a critical habitat for sharks and rays in Florida after the vulnerable location took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian at the end of September.

Video: Breaching whale nearly lands in fishing boat off New Jersey

A pair in a boat off the coast of New Jersey got quite a surprise when a whale breached and knocked against their boat. The close encounter was all caught on video.

Whale steals fisherman's catch off New Jersey shore

A father and son fishing off the coast of New Jersey were not expecting to have their day interrupted by a huge whale breaching right next to their boat. 

How cold fronts impact fishing in Tampa Bay
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Captain Dylan Hubbard of Hubbard?s Marina says fish get excited when each cold front moves through this time of year. ?It should really make fishing good.?

Wauchula great ape sanctuary hunkered down as Hurricane Ian barreled across Florida

When Hurricane Ian barreled through Florida a couple of weeks ago, it wasn't just people and their pets hunkering down for dear life. Sixty-nine great apes and nearly two dozen caretakers rode out the storm at their sanctuary in Wauchula. 

Help name the new baby rhino at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

There’s an adorable new addition to the animal family at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – and park staff needs the public’s help to give him a name. 

Injured alligator rescued on Anna Maria Island was euthanized

An alligator was rescued on Anna Maria Island between Bean Point Beach and Rod and Reel Pier over the weekend. It has since been euthanized.

Federal wildlife officials deny increase gopher tortoise protections in Florida

Gopher tortoises have long spurred debates in Florida, as development has spread and conservationists have pushed for habitat protections. Gopher tortoises are considered threatened by the state, which has a permitting process for capturing and relocating the animals.

Three people fend off sharks while being rescued from sunken fishing boat

The Coast Guard says two people from a sunken fishing boat were fending off sharks in the Gulf of Mexico when a crew rescued them and one other person from waters off the Louisiana coastline.