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Because iguanas and Argentine black and white tegus are not native animals to Florida s wildlife, their release and population in the wild are a threat to Florida s ecosystem.
In fact, Florida is home to 500 nonnative species that, if not adequately watched, are harmful to the existing environment. Take, for instance, one of the worst offenders: Burmese pythons. These snakes, part of the 16 high-risk invasive species populated in areas like the Everglades national park in Miami-Dade, prey on deer, rodents and alligators, The Guardian reported.
In the case of the Argentine black and white tegu, the microchip is meant for their protection. Since 2012, nearly 8,000 tegus have been killed by hunters or removed by FWC staffers.
What you need to know about applying for alligator harvest permits
Now is the time to plan for Florida’s upcoming hunting seasons if you’re interested in applying for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) alligator harvest permits or fall hunts at a Florida wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge.
Alligator harvest permits
Florida has a stable and healthy alligator population that allows for sustainable hunt opportunities through the FWC’s Statewide Alligator Harvest Program. To take part in Florida’s Aug. 15 to Nov. 1 alligator season, you’ll need an alligator trapping license, a Statewide Alligator Harvest Permit and two hide validation CITES tags. The cost for this is $272 for Florida residents, $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, or $1,022 for nonresidents. The alligator harvest permit allows for the harvest of two alligators in a designated harvest unit or county.
By Joel Malkin
Cleanup of toxic algae at the Pahokee Marina is expected to wrap up.
The South Florida Water Management District started having the noxious algae vacuumed out of Lake Okeechobee last week and the agency on Monday claimed three-fourths of it has been removed.
A sign warns visitors and boaters of the possible health risks, telling people not to swim there and to avoid getting water in their eyes, nose or mouth.
The District prepared to be at the marina on Tuesday for the final clean-up and to take water samples.
The total cost of the clean-up is expected to run around $200,000.