First Ray Clark noticed corn vanishing at an alarming rate from deer feeders on his 600-acre Polk County ranch. ...more

October 24, 2008

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer said she observed an active gopher tortoise burrow with bulldozer tread marks near it near the Sebring Wal-Mart as the property was being developed. A sign of a felony, she alleged late July, even though they're normally only filed as misdemeanors. ...more

August 7, 2008

A 28-year-old man was killed Sunday, when a relative riding one personal watercraft collided with the one he was riding, authorities say. The deceased, Roberto Carlos-Medina, had a listed address in Tampa and a driver's license from Texas, said Gary Morse, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is investigating the 7 p.m. collision. ...more

August 4, 2008

Trappers continue to pick off escaped monkeys in Polk County. One by one, the primates are falling prey to routine and walking into traps. ...more

July 18, 2008

TAMPA - Trappers continue to pick off escaped monkeys in Polk County. One by one, the primates are falling pray to routine and carelessly walking into traps. ...more

July 17, 2008

Miracle, a baby raccoon that was scorched in a roofer's tar-heating machine April 22, was taken by veterinarians to the Hardee County Animal Refuge in Zolfo Springs. ...more

June 17, 2008

Miracle, a baby raccoon that was scorched in a roofer's tar-heating machine April 22, was taken by veterinarians to the Hardee County Animal Refuge in Zolfo Springs. ...more

June 17, 2008

LAKE PLACID — A collision between a personal watercraft and a ski boat Monday evening sent one juvenile to Florida Hospital Lake Placid while a second victim had to be airlifted to Tampa General Hospital in serious condition. The operator of the personal watercraft remained in serious condition Tuesday morning at Tampa General, according to hospital spokeswoman Ellen Fiss. The accident happened on Lake Placid, according to Gary Morse, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was reported earlier that it happened on Lake Childs. Lake Placid used to be called Lake Childs, said Morse, wanting to clear up any confusion. ...more

June 10, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - James Francis Parker was known for his sweet and loving demeanor, his talent for swimming, his brilliant mind and for the golden locks on his head. ...more

June 5, 2008

In the wilds of Wauchula, Peace River Electric Cooperative utility workers often come across wildlife. A few weeks ago, utility worker Eddie Bailey was traveling near the town of Ona in Hardee County when he spotted a furry thing parked on top of a wooden utility pole. Bailey recognized the beast as a Florida bobcat. ...more

June 4, 2008