“Look at all those turtles” One of the most appealing features of the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers is the abundance of wildlife. Turtles stacked on a log, frolicking otters, nosey gar, jumping mullet, tank-like sturgeon, beaver dens, flying turkeys, Great Blue Herons, elegant Ibis, Secretive Night Herons, hooting owls, hawks calling, gentle manatee, drying anhinga, delicate deer, and grunting pigs to name a few. The presence of this great diversity of wildlife enrich our lives.
The presence of wildlife enriches our experience when we explore the river corridor. The Santa Fe River corridor provides a sanctuary for wildlife to thrive and reproduce as well as can be expected with habitat loss all around.
One animal that is not common to our area yet passes through is the Florida Black Bear. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 13th to gather public input on potential hunting options.
Despite the lack of scientific justification, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering a proposal to reinstate a black bear hunt. Instead of hunting, FWC could focus on non-lethal conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, public education, and bear-proofing measures.
To participate in today’s discussion on regulated black bear hunting please attend the scheduled virtual public meeting on March 13, beginning at 6 p.m.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
