Inside FWRI
Celebrating National Dog Day
Happy National Dog Day to our favorite four-legged field biologist, Cowboy!
This year, Cowboy had a record-breaking season sniffing out mink and spotted skunk scat across Florida. Thanks to his nose, researchers are learning more than ever about these elusive and imperiled species. His work has helped uncover important details about their diet, distribution, and even disease. Including a recent sample that revealed cranial brain worm.
When he’s not in the field, Cowboy is a great ambassador. He helps spark conversations about conservation and never fails to bring smiles to the office.
You can learn more about Cowboy and his work in our video In the Field with Cowboy the Scat Detection Dog.
Science on Social Media
Spot a Rainbow Snake?
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Rainbow snakes are among Florida’s most elusive reptiles. If you find one, it’s the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
Manatee Rescue in Reddington Beach
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This morning, sea turtle nesting surveyors spotted an adult female manatee stranded on the beach, lethargic and breathing rapidly. Several other manatees were observed in nearby waters.
Rare red snapper recapture
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On Opening Day of the 2025 Red Snapper season, Captain Brian Lambert of Fishhawk Charters landed a tagged red snapper first released 9 years ago by FWC biologists in the MERR lab, a research collaborative between FWRI and UF.
Featured Video
American Crocodile Hatching Season
It’s hatching season for American crocodiles in South Florida! In the spring, female crocodiles lay and bury 20-60 eggs. About 85 days later, hatchlings call their mother from inside the eggs telling the mother crocodile to dig up the nest and help the hatchlings emerge.
Learn More and Connect
As the research division within FWC, FWRI operates programs statewide that focus on obtaining
the wide-ranging data and information needed by fish, wildlife, and ecosystem resource managers.
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute recruits primarily scientists and science technicians. Business services and facility maintenance also require the expertise of qualified management, administrative, public information, clerical and maintenance staff. FWRI also offers both internships and limited volunteer opportunities.
Stay connected with the latest FWRI news via our social media accounts and monthly newsletter.
Monthly Newsletter
We invite you to MarineQuest, FWRI's annual open house. This award-winning event is an opportunity for you and your family to learn about Florida's fish and wildlife and FWRI's exciting research.