Veterinarians at the CROW Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on Sanibel have positively identified canine distemper in the island’s raccoon population.  WGCU’s Mike Kiniry reports.

A colorful lizard native to Central and South America has become the latest exotic species identified in Southwest Florida.  WGCU’s John Davis has more.

Sarasota County has adopted an Exotic Reptile Management plan. Officials say the animals are wreaking havoc with the natural environment. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Area waterways are starting to warm up following the recent prolonged cold snap. That means manatees, which have been concentrated in warm water refuges will be spreading out to feeding areas. And boaters are urged to be on the lookout for the slow moving marine mammals. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Cold
weather is bad for crops, tourism and native wildlife.  But there’s a
plus side…some destructive exotic reptiles are dying as a result of the
prolonged cold snap.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

The extended cold weather is impacting wildlife around the state.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.

An endangered leatherback sea turtle which stranded on a Lee County beach Tuesday remains in critical condition at Mote
Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.  WGCU’s John Davis reports.

The
Brody Project for Animal Assisted Therapy in Naples is hosting a
lecture by well known animal behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell Thursday
at Moorings Park.  McConnel teaches about the biology and philosophy of
human and animal relationships at the University of Wisconsin in
Madison, and for many years hosted the weekly public radio program
“Calling all Pets”.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker talked to her about that bond
and the Brody project that’s bringing her to Southwest Florida.

The
Animal Refuge Center in North Fort Myers is looking for homes for more
than 600 cats displaced from a Clewiston shelter.  WGCU’s John Davis
reports.

The
Sierra Club announced Thursday that it’s joining the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida in petitioning the federal government to impose
protections on critical habitat for the endangered Florida Panther. 
WGCU’s John Davis reports.