An endangered Florida panther kitten rescued after an apparent vehicle strike in Southwest Florida will likely be unable to return to the wild. Staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found the kitten unresponsive on April 23 along State Road 82 in Collier County. A volunteer with the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge on his way to work spotted the injured kitten that morning and reported the sighting.

Rescuers immediately took the then 12-week-old male kitten to the Animal Specialty Hospital of Florida in Naples for treatment. Although veterinarians at the hospital found no major fractures and no signs of significant internal damage, they believe the panther experienced some level of head trauma.

“Unfortunately, this kitten’s condition makes it unlikely that he will recover enough to be released into the wild,” said Dave Onorato, FWC biologist. “We’re grateful to the staff at the Animal Specialty Hospital, who have worked tirelessly caring for him.”

The kitten is being transferred to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for further rehabilitation. This is the third kitten and seventh panther overall to receive rehabilitation at the zoo. The kitten’s prognosis is guarded.

A male panther kitten, believed to be this kitten’s brother, died April 7 from injuries also consistent with a vehicle strike.

Collisions with vehicles are the top human-related cause of panther deaths. More than a third of panther deaths documented last year were the result of vehicle strikes. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and drive carefully in rural areas where panthers are known to live. An estimated 100 to 160 adults of this federally endangered species live in the wild.

To report dead or injured panthers, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone.

Florida residents can support panther conservation efforts through the purchase of a panther license plate at BuyaPlate.com. Fees from these license plates are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research and management of Florida panthers.

For more information on Florida panthers, go to www.FloridaPantherNet.org.

Eastern chipmunks are thought to live in only a few locations in Northwest Florida but researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are asking anyone who has spotted one to report the sighting.

Wildlife biologist Chris Winchester said information may be recorded at https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx. Smaller than a gray squirrel, the Eastern chipmunk is slightly reddish in color and has white and black stripes running down its back and light stripes above its eyes. 

Winchester said researchers are especially interested in new sighting data, but would like information on older sightings as well.

He said chipmunks appear to be rare in Florida but historically have been found along the Escambia, Blackwater, Yellow and Choctawhatchee rivers. There are also reports of chipmunks observed in back yards, and in forested lots within urban areas. The species is more common in forested areas in the eastern half of the United States from Alabama north to Canada.

Chipmunks are a species of special concern in Florida. He said the sighting study will be useful for a look at the species’ distribution, abundance and preferred habitat.

The Wildlife Foundation of Florida honored longtime Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist Ron Taylor with the 2011 Louise Ireland Humphrey Achievement Award at the FWC Commission meeting Thursday in Crystal River.

Taylor has studied marine fisheries for the state for 35 years. He is the lead scientist for snook research in Florida and is noted worldwide as an authority on the sport fish.

Taylor’s research has led to many discoveries about snook. Among them, one he considers his greatest professional achievement, is finding that all snook are born as males and some later become females. This information is important to the management of the fishery.

Taylor continues to study snook today. His most recent work in rivers and on offshore reefs has provided valuable insight into the life history of snook species other than the popular common snook. Taylor’s research also has helped identify a new species of the fish in Florida: large-scale fat snook.

“Ron has dedicated his life to the study of marine fisheries in Florida, and snook in particular,” said Gil McRae, director of the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “His knowledge, passion and commitment to a team-based approach make him a major asset to the agency and well-deserving of this recognition.”

Taylor is noted by his colleagues as a great mentor and a popular presenter at scientific conferences and meetings. His love for his work has rubbed off on his son as well. Ron Taylor takes great pride in the fact that Josh Taylor has followed in his footsteps as a marine fisheries researcher with the FWC.

The Wildlife Foundation of Florida created the Louise Ireland Humphrey Achievement Award in 1999 as an annual honor for an FWC employee whose dedication and service have made outstanding contributions to conservation of Florida’s fish and wildlife. The award is named for the first female commissioner of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission who served from 1984 to 1999, including two terms as Chairman.

Louise Ireland Humphrey was an avid outdoorswoman and a dedicated participant in conservation efforts throughout the southeastern United States. Humphrey died in March at her home in Leon County, but her legacy lives on through this prestigious award.

The Florida Guides Association and Florida Keys Commercial Fishing Association on Wednesday honored three employees of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for their efforts to conserve marine life.

Bill Kelly, executive director of the Florida Keys Commercial Fishing Association, recognized Jackie Fauls, with the FWC’s Office of Legislative Affairs. Fauls and the FWC partnered with the Keys group, Organized Fishermen of Florida, Monroe County State’s Attorney, House and Senate sponsors and the Governor’s Office to combat trap robbing and to develop solutions.

Capt. Pat Kelly, Florida Guides Association president, presented FWC Officer Randy Hart with the “Trained Eyes Coastwatchers” Officer of the Year award.

“Officer Hart is a dedicated, proactive officer,” said FWC Lt. Ed Prouty, Hart’s supervisor. “His desire to protect Florida’s fish and wildlife is outstanding.”

Hart recently exceeded his required vessel patrol hours while targeting illegal fishing activities, trap robbing and other violations and boating accidents.

“Officer Hart should be really proud,” Kelly said. “He’s one of the best.”

Also at the meeting, the Florida Guides Association presented Bob Muller, a biologist with the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), with the Capt. Phil Chapman Conservation Award.

“Muller has devoted countless behind-the-scenes hours to fisheries stock assessments,” Kelly said. “He is an absolute unsung hero, but his work results are vital to the resources of the state of Florida.”

Muller started the stock assessment group for the research arm of the agency more than 20 years ago. His work on assessments of snook, spotted seatrout, stone crab and a variety of other species has contributed greatly to the conservation of Florida’s fish stocks.

“Bob’s enthusiastic and thorough approach to his work is well-known by his colleagues,” said Mike Murphy, Muller’s supervisor. “His inquisitive nature and willingness to share his knowledge with others have made him a valuable part of FWRI.”

It was a happy ending to a potentially deadly event.

Biologists and law enforcement personnel freed a dolphin that had become entangled in crab trap lines in the St. Johns River.

A call about the dolphin came in to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers Sunday morning.

The dolphin was seen floating in the same location for about an hour, and the caller believed that the dolphin was dead. FWC officers Bob Brienza and Roland Green spotted the dolphin and realized that it was alive and entangled. They updated FWC marine mammal biologists Nadia Gordon and Cheyanne Ruben, who responded to the scene along with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Deputy Robert Holmquist and FWC Lt. John Conboy.

The rescuers were able to get close to the dolphin and support the animal while they cut away the entangling lines. 

The dolphin had numerous indentions on its body, and the area right behind the dorsal fin had been rubbed raw. The crab trap lines were wrapped several times around the animal’s tail.   

“The dolphin didn’t wait around,” Conboy said. “As soon as it was free, it got out of there quickly. We looked for it, but we never saw it again.”

The dolphin had been entangled in the gear from three crab traps. 

“I’d like to thank FWC Law Enforcement and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their assistance, as well as members of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Rescue Team, who were ready to help out if needed,” said Gordon.

To report a dead or distressed marine mammal, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Seven years into the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study, biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Mote Marine Laboratory are gaining new insights into tarpon movement and seasonal habitat preferences. With the help of anglers participating in the study, researchers have confirmed that some tarpon move long distances, and others stay close to home. Biologists have also found evidence of a connection between tarpon habitats in southwest Florida and those of the Florida Keys.

Anglers sampled two tarpon in Charlotte Harbor during August 2010. Both fish were caught the following spring in the Florida Keys – more than 150 miles away. These tarpon were initially sampled inshore at the end of a spawning season, in close proximity to offshore areas in the Gulf where spawning is presumed to occur.

Sampling of another tarpon showed the fish can travel a similar distance in a shorter time. That tarpon was caught near Islamorada in July 2011, about one month after an angler reeled it in during peak spawning season near Sarasota.

Researchers can track these tarpon thanks to volunteer anglers who submit tarpon DNA samples to the FWC. When an angler catches and samples a tarpon that was previously sampled, a recapture occurs. Through recaptures, biologists can compare catch times and locations to determine movement.

In the study, the farthest distance recorded between an initial catch and a recapture is approximately 280 miles. That tarpon was reeled in near Apalachicola in July 2007 before it was recaptured near Captiva in May 2009.

Anglers have submitted over 13,000 tarpon DNA samples to the FWC, including more than 4,000 in 2011. Among the samples, researchers have documented about 100 recaptured tarpon.

Anglers who would like to assist the study can obtain a free, easy-to-use tarpon DNA sampling kit by emailing TarponGenetics@MyFWC.com or by calling 800-367-4461.

A new video provides a step-by-step look at how an angler takes a tarpon DNA sample for the study. The video, produced by Florida Sea Grant and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Communications, can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/user/MyFWCsocial.

For more information on the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study, visit MyFWC.com/Research, click on “Saltwater,” and select “Tarpon Genetics” under “Tarpon.”

The release was much less dramatic than the rescue for the sandhill crane that had been pulled from the muck on Orange Lake March 2 by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists.

Members of the veterinary team at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo transported and released the crane on private property near Hawthorne April 3. After being placed on the ground, the bird slowly walked away. A calm release was exactly what biologists wanted for the bird.

“This is a stellar example of teamwork,” said Marty Folk, FWC biologist. “FWC biologists rescued the crane, veterinarians at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine stabilized the bird, and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo staff rehabilitated the animal so it could be released.”

The FWC rescue effort took a team of six people with rope, a kayak and wood planks that the biologists used to reach the trapped birds. The cranes were several hundred feet from shore and stuck in the muck, which one rescuer described as having the consistency of “brownie batter.” Two cranes were rescued, but only one survived.

The crane was taken to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s Small Animal Hospital immediately following the rescue. After stabilization, the survivor was transported to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for care and rehabilitation in a natural environment. The bird responded well and had a healthy appetite.

The site selected for release was optimal habitat for the crane, according to Folk. There are other sandhill cranes in the area, and the low water level of the lake where it was released provides good foraging. The release site is approximately 13 miles from where the bird was rescued.

“We didn’t want to release it too close to Orange Lake. We certainly didn’t want it getting stuck again,” Folk said. “This is a great place for the bird.”

Folk explained that sandhill cranes have a complex social structure, and the newcomer won’t be alone long.

“When the other cranes come in to roost this evening, the released bird will join up with them.”

As the bird was released, it shook its feathers, smoothing down those that had been ruffled during transport. It calmly walked away from its rescuers, took a drink of water, then raised its head and trumpeted.

“That’s a contact call,” Folk said. “It’s announcing its presence to the other cranes in the area.”

Their official names are “160” and “161.” But the words used most frequently to describe them were “too cute.”

They are two 6-pound, male black bear cubs born about eight weeks ago. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists examined the cubs Sunday at the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Clay County.

Biologists Walt McCown and Brian Scheick, along with FWC Chairman Kathy Barco, went to the den to retrieve the cubs. According to McCown, who has been studying bears for 15 years, the female will generally leave the cubs temporarily when humans approach.

“During the time the females are nursing their cubs, they are usually very lethargic and not aware of their surroundings,” McCown said. “However, each bear is an individual, and we have to be ready for anything once we get to the den.”

And being prepared this time was a good idea. This time, Mama Bear didn’t want to cooperate.

“We came up on the den, and she refused to leave,” Scheick said. “We made noise and got extremely close to her before she left her cubs.”

McCown and Barco carried the cubs out to where they could be examined and fitted with their own radio collars. The cubs were also measured, weighed and injected with a microchip.

“The collars are designed to ‘grow’ with the cubs and will eventually fall off in six to eight months,” McCown said. “During this timeframe, we will be able to gather quite a bit of information about their movements with their mother.”

McCown follows a very strict time schedule when dealing with bear cubs, and the animals were returned to their mother within 45 minutes.

“Mom was waiting. She went back to the cubs,” McCown said.

The cubs and their 180-pound mother, “154,” are part of a bear project on the Florida National Guard base, according to McCown. In January, No. 154 gave birth to the two males, the first documented bears born on the base.

The project is gathering data about the bears on Camp Blanding, the 72,000-acre training center between two large bear populations in the Ocala National Forest and the Osceola National Forest. Seven bears have been caught and fitted with radio collars since June 2011.

“We want to see how the bears are using Camp Blanding as a part of the corridor between the two national forests,” McCown said.

As spring arrives, horseshoe crabs converge along sandy beaches throughout the state to mate. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are asking the public for help pinpointing the sites where these horseshoe crabs spawn.

Beachgoers are likely to have the best luck spotting mating horseshoe crabs around high tide, just before, during or after a full or new moon. The conditions around the new moon on March 22 and the full moon on April 6 will create ideal opportunities to view the spawning behavior of horseshoe crabs.

The FWC asks people to report sightings through one of several convenient options. Go to MyFWC.com/Contact and click on the “Submit a Horseshoe Crab Survey” link, then “Florida Horseshoe Crab Spawning Beach Survey.” You can also email findings to horseshoe@MyFWC.com or call the FWC at 866-252-9326.

Observers should note the number of horseshoe crabs they see and whether those horseshoe crabs are mating. Mating crabs “pair up,” with the smaller male on top of the larger female. Other male crabs may be present around the couple. If possible, the observer should specify roughly how many horseshoe crabs are mating adults and how many are juveniles (4 inches wide or smaller).

Biologists also want to know the date, time, location, habitat type and environmental conditions – such as tides and moon phase – when a sighting occurs.

Through December 2011, the FWC has received 2,350 reports since the survey program began in April 2002.

Horseshoe crabs, often called “living fossils,” have been around for approximately 450 million years and are an important part of a marine ecosystem. Their eggs are a vital food source for animals and birds, such as the red knot.

Horseshoe crabs are important to humans as well. In the biomedical industry, horseshoe crab blood helps save human lives. Pharmaceutical companies use horseshoe crab blood to make sure that intravenous drugs and vaccine injections are bacteria-free. Also, research into horseshoe crab eyes has given scientists a greater knowledge of the functioning of human eyes.

During the past three years, biologists documented the highest levels of cold-related manatee deaths, with the "cold stress" category accounting for 112 in 2011, 282 in 2010 and 56 in 2009. In the previous five years, cold stress accounted for an average of 30 manatee deaths per year.

The total number of reported manatee deaths in 2011 was the second-highest on record. Biologists documented a record 766 manatee deaths in 2010 and recorded the third-highest total of 429 in 2009.

"We are concerned about the number of manatee deaths the past three years, including those resulting from exposure to cold weather," said Gil McRae, director of the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. "Over the next few years, we will use data from monitoring programs to better understand any long-term implications for the population. We will continue to work with our partners to enhance the availability of natural warm-water sites, which are important habitats for the species' survival," McRae said.

FWC researchers, managers and law enforcement staff work closely together to evaluate mortality data and identify necessary actions. Managers focus on actions that can reduce risks to manatees and protect foraging and warm-water habitats. The FWC's Division of Law Enforcement, in cooperation with partner agencies, uses knowledge of local boating habits, well-posted speed zones and up-to-date manatee information as part of its on-the-water enforcement operations. Informing boaters about manatee conservation and enforcing manatee-protection zones are priorities for the FWC.

To learn more about manatee conservation, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee.

To view the 2011 preliminary mortality numbers, visit MyFWC.com/Research/Manatee and click on "Manatee Mortality Statistics."

Florida residents can help manatees by purchasing the manatee specialty license plate, available at county tax collectors' offices. The funds collected for these plates go directly to manatee research and conservation.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).