Naturally Florida

Latest Episodes:

PART 1: Mosquito Season is Coming! Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the mosquitoes of Florida, covering everything from mosquito biology, types of mosquitoes, mosquito surveillance and control, and ways you can yourself from these important, but sometimes pesky insects.

Learn More:

UF/IFAS Document about mosquito repellents (Table of effectiveness at end): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN419
Mosquitoes & Their Control: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction Around Homes and Neighborhoods - https://www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/_documents/fl-resident-guide-to-mosquito-control-ifas.pdf
Mosquito Control Programs - Mosquito Control Programs / Mosquito Control / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)
Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance - Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov)

How You Can Help:

Follow the 3-D’s: Dump standing water; Dress in loose, light-colored, long sleeves and pants; Defend using a CED recommended repellent.
Reach out to your local Mosquito Control District if you’re still having issues with mosquitoes despite efforts to control them around your home: Mosquito Control Programs / Mosquito Control / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)
Share this episode or information from this episode with family, friends and colleagues.

Sources for this Episode:

Mosquitoes - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/mosquitoes
FDACS Public Health Applicator’s Manual -https://ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/109002/file/Public-Health-Manual-2023.pdf
Division of Vector-Borne Diseases - https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/index.html

Special thanks to Alissa Berro, Section Manager, Public Works, Pinellas County for assistance in the script writing of this episode.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Florida's Pink Birds Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Today's episode is all about Florida's pink birds, including the iconic roseate spoonbill and American flamingo.

Learn More:

Read the NPR article we discussed about Hurricane Idalia and Flamingo sightings.
View iNaturalist observations of Flamingos since 2020

How to Help:

Don't feed water birds: Read why, here.
Respect wildlife - view from a distance! Watch a short video about 'Rule of Thumb' for wildlife viewing, here.
Submit your observations to iNaturalist.

Sources:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Scent-sational Skunks of Florida Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the two species of skunks found in Florida. A mammal that is so unique, it recently divided from a subfamily of the weasel to become its own family, a stinky one! There is a lot to learn about these mysterious creatures. We will explore the species of life history of Florida’s skunks, where you can find them, some fun skunk behavior and more! ⁠ Learn More:

Eastern Spotted Skunk Conservation Plan - Microsoft Word - ESS Conservation Plan July82019 (weebly.com)
Skunks - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/skunks/
Living with Skunks - myfwc.com/media/25513/livingwithskunks.pdf

How You Can Help:

FWC is interested in collecting carcasses of eastern spotted skunks for future genetic analyses. If you observe a deceased spotted skunk, please email skunks@myfwc.com.
You can report both species of skunks (dead or alive) on iNaturalist - https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

If you see a skunk, it is not cause for alarm...don’t call a wildlife trapper, just let it be.

Sources for this Episode:

Eastern Spotted Skunk Conservation Plan - Microsoft Word - ESS Conservation Plan July82019 (weebly.com)
Skunks - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/land/skunks/
Eastern Spotted Skunk Cooperative Study Group - https://easternspottedskunk.weebly.com/

Florida's Venomous Snakes Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

How do you feel about snakes? Not a fan? Well, while we believe snakes are friends, not foes, we recognize it may be comforting to know that the vast majority of snakes in Florida are non-venomous and largely cannot hurt you or your family. On today's episode, we go on a deep dive about Florida's venomous snakes.

Learn more:

Read about identifying the water moccasin and the banded water snake (non-venomous) OR watch this video
Need a refresher on 3 common snakes in residential areas?Listen here: Three Common Snakes in Residential Areas (Podcast Episode)
Dealing With Snakes - Emergency Planning
Preventing Negative Encounters with Snakes
Florida Snakes (Youtube Video)

Calls to action:

Spread the word! Snakes are friends, not foes. They provide a critical link in our food web and are both predator and prey. MOST snakes you see are non-venomous.
Avoid Snake-bite Kits: The only snake-bite kit you need is your cell phone! If you are bitten by a venomous snake OR a snake you can't identify, call 911. Do not wait for symptoms to develop, this is an emergency and time is of the essence.

Sources:

Florida's Floating Sea-Potatoes ... the Manatee! Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Manatees are Florida’s gentle giants and are a sight to behold. They are state and federally protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 according to FWC. These gentle giants are Florida’s true natives, and we need to be respectful of these creatures when entering water ways. The goal is to actively co-exist with Florida wildlife. To properly do this we must first learn where we can find manatees, why we can find them in freshwater during the winter months, what they eat, and how we can protect these gentle creatures.

Learn More:

Florida Manatee Facts and Information - https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/facts-and-information/
Manatee Overview - https://www.fws.gov/species/manatee-trichechus-manatus
Marine Mammal Commission: Florida Manatee - https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/florida-manatee/
Where Can I See Manatees in Florida? https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/where-to-see/

How You Can Help:

Boaters should practice best boating practices by adhering to manatee caution signs, no wake zones, and watching for a manatee’s swim patterns.
Keep a safe distance if you do see a manatee.
Report injured, orphaned, entangled, distressed or dead manatees to the FWC WIldlife Alert Hotline 888-404-3922. You can also download their app, “FWC Wildlife Alert”. You can text 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the situation. You can also submit a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert
Monitor fertilizer runoff from yards that back into a known manatee area.
You can support manatee conservation indirection through the “Save the Manatee License Plate”

Sources for this Episode:

Florida Manatee Facts and Information - https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/facts-and-information/
Manatee Overview - https://www.fws.gov/species/manatee-trichechus-manatus
Marine Mammal Commission: Florida Manatee - https://www.mmc.gov/priority-topics/species-of-concern/florida-manatee/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Florida Black Bears Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Florida black bears have been in the news, frequently, this year! On today's episode, we chat about the Florida black bear's diet, behavior, and biology, and provide some tips for co-existing with our resident bears.

Learn More:

Living with the Florida black bear - https://www.myfwc.com/bear⁠
Where are the large bear populations? - https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/bear-management-units/

How You Can Help:

Limit attractants in your yard and protect bears from accessing your garbage cans. Be bear aware: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/living/
Report a sick, injured, orphaned, or dead bear: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/nuisance-contact/
If you live in areas with a lot of bear activity, learn how to "Scare That Bear!" here: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/bear/living/scare/

Sources for this Episode:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: https://www.myfwc.com/bear⁠⁠
Bears and Apiaries (UF/IFAS): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1318
Living with Black Bears: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2017/04/24/florida-black-bears/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Bloom, there it goes! Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

THANK YOU to all of our loyal listeners! Has this podcast made a difference in your life?

The survey is now closed, but we look forward to hearing from you again next fall! If you have comments or topics for next season, submit them at ⁠www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com⁠

If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms" commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB? Are all algae bad? Learn this and more in today’s episode.

Learn More:

Protecting Florida Together - https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/
Marine HABs - https://myfwc.com/redtide/
Freshwater HABs - https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom
U.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms - https://hab.whoi.edu/

How You Can Help:

Limit your contribution to excess nutrients by fertilizing only when necessary, ensuring you blow grass clippings back on the landscape (not down a storm drain…that’s illegal), plant native plants to help with nutrient uptake, and check that your down spout is directed into your landscape and not down your driveway.
Report an algal bloom in a freshwater system - www.reportalgalbloom.com
Report fish kills at the Fish Kill Hotline 1-800-636-0511
Avoid contact with water that has algae blooms

Sources for this Episode:

Historical Occurrence of HABs - https://hab.whoi.edu/about/historical-occurrence-of-habs/
An Introduction to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Florida - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOi156_jl9c
Harmful Algal Blooms - https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/harmful_algal_blooms

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

PodBLAST - The Impact of Fireworks Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

THANK YOU to all of our loyal listeners! Has this podcast made a difference in your life?

The survey is now closed, but we look forward to hearing from you again next fall! If you have comments or topics for next season, submit them at www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com

Although fireworks are a staple for celebrations around the world, the explosives almost always contain pollutants like heavy metals, perchlorates, and aerosols, which harm air and water quality. The noise and flashes can startle many organisms, sometimes leading to nesting birds scattering, leaving their young vulnerable to predators. The good news is, there are many alternatives to traditional fireworks shows— making the switch would help protect Florida wildlife and ecosystems. Learn More:

Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment – https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/Fulltext/PC22040
Keeping wildlife safe on Independence Day –https://www.fws.gov/story/keeping-wildlife-safe-independence-day
Birds flee en mass from New Year's Eve fireworks –https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/22/6/1173/218852#79500851

How You Can Help:

Search for a "Drone Light Show" or "Laser Light Show" near you to watch instead of doing your own fireworks at home. Or, watch a local city or town's fireworks show.
Celebrate a firework-less Fourth of July with drones, bubble guns, or confetti cannons - https://www.popsci.com/environment/fireworks-alternatives/
Consider purchasing quiet fireworks - https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/science/july-4-fireworks-quiet.html

Sources for this Episode:

Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment – ⁠https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/Fulltext/PC22040 ⁠
The impact of fireworks on airborne particles - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1352231007009685
Environmental impacts of perchlorate with special reference to fireworks - a review - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-014-3921-4

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations⁠

Sounds of Summer - Calling Frogs Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the sounds of summer. This episode’s focus is all about commonly heard frogs in Florida. We have 33 species of frog in the state. More often heard than seen, this episode features six frog species, including some basic physical and audio identification information, habitats, what you can do to help, and more!

Learn More:

Florida’s Frogs – https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/florida.shtml
Frogs & Toads of Florida – https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/frogstoads/image_index.php
Frog Call Lookup – https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup

How You Can Help:

Consider installing Treefrog Houses ( https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW308) or installing an artificial pond
Plant native vegetation which will provide shelter and attract pollinators, a critical food source for many frog species – https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/
Consider implementing Integrated Pest Management to limit your use of pesticides – https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/integrated-pest-management.html

Install a water feature - https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/water-gardens.html

Sources for this Episode:

Amphibian Contributions to Ecosystem Services – https://scholars.unh.edu/nhaes/330/
Florida’s Frogs – https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/florida.shtml
Frog Call Lookup – https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/frogquiz/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.lookup

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy learning about Florida's natural areas and the wild things that live here!

If you're active on iNaturalist, consider joining our iNaturalist project, Naturally Florida's Listener Observations, here: ⁠https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/naturally-florida-s-listener-observations

Ticks and Tickborne Illness in Florida Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

The creepiest, crawliest, grossest of arachnids, in our opinion, are ticks. And no, we don't feel bad calling them gross!

Tick-borne illnesses can wreak havoc on people's lives and there is still so much we don't know about them. On today's episode, learn what we DO know about ticks in Florida, the diseases they may carry, and what to do to protect yourself, your family, and your friends from ticks.

Learn More:

Florida-specific tick information: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/family-resources/ticks-and-disease/ (UF/IFAS) and https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/tick-and-insect-borne-diseases/index.html (FL Dept. of Health)
The CDC has a wonderful tool to identify the best insect repellants for various activities. Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn, "How to choose the right insect repellent": https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you (CDC)
More information on the diseases Ticks can carry and where they are found: ⁠https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html⁠ (CDC)

Call to Action:

Learn about tick-bite prevention! That's really our only Call to Action this month.

Preventing Tick bites before going outdoors, and after: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html (CDC)
Dog checks: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html (CDC)

Sources for Show Notes:

Reptile Host Associations of Ixodes Scapularis in Florida and Implications for Borrelia Spp. Ecology⁠
A Survey of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Florida
Facts About Wildlife Diseases Ehrlichiosis1
Ticks and Tick-Borne Infections Complex Ecology, Agents, and Host Interactions
Preventing Tick Bites
Preventing Ticks in the Yard
How Ticks Spread Disease

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