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FWC helps tag nearly 150 tegus and green iguanas
New rules require owners of pet tegus and green iguanas to apply for a no-cost permit and mark their pets with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag, also known as a microchip. Working with a variety of partners, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has helped pet owners by tagging nearly 150 tegus and green iguanas for free.
The new rules took effect on April 29, but a 90-day grace period has provided pet owners an opportunity to come into compliance and take advantage of Tag Your Reptile Day events that the FWC is holding throughout the state. These events offer pet owners an opportunity to have their pet green iguanas or tegus microchipped for free. Staff are also present to help address questions about the permit application process.
Partners in the Owens pupfish recovery effort are planning additional translocation projects to restore them to more sites within their historic range.
Horseshoe Crab Migration Arriving on Maryland Shores
Maryland’s shores welcome back the annual return of the horseshoe crab – Limulus polyphemus in one of the world’s oldest and largest wildlife migrations.
For an estimated 350 million years, these prehistoric creatures have migrated into Maryland’s coastal bays from their winter habitats to spawn along the coastline and subtidal habitats. Although called “crabs” they are in fact arthropods.
The height of horseshoe crabs spawning revolves around late spring and early summer high tides, culminating on or around each full and new moon in June. On average, one spawning female horseshoe crab will deposit 20,000 eggs into the sand.
June 12-13, residents and out-of-state visitors can fish, ride Michigan's off-road trails or visit state parks and state-managed boating access sites – all for free.