Wildlife Alert

06/24/2025

Great job!

05/12/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Eileen RoyZokan on her recognition for the 2025 ISAFS Superior Accomplishment Animal Forensic Sciences award. She is a dedicated and talented public servant and FWC and the state of Florida are very fortunate have her on their team. Well deserved!

Last night at UF's Animal ForensiCon, Dr. Eileen Roy-Zokan received the 2025 ISAFS Superior Accomplishment Animal Forensic Sciences award. She is a trailblazer in animal forensic sciences whose career has been defined by both scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her work in applying genetics to solve wildlife crimes and other crimes against animals has been inspiring.

05/02/2025

While the Wildlife Alert app and texting Tip411 are no longer available as reporting options, you can still submit information about fish, wildlife and boating violations by:
• Calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922)
And
• Submitting a tip online at https://app.myfwc.com/LE/WildlifeAlert/Default.aspx

Visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert for more information!

03/31/2025

Illegal Reptile Shipment Intercepted by FWC
FWC port inspectors recently intercepted a suspicious package at a shipping facility in Orlando, revealing a reticulated python, which is a prohibited species. A follow-up investigation led to the discovery of four prohibited reptiles—two reticulated pythons, a green iguana and a tegu—at two locations. The individual in possession of these animals did not have the required permits or proper caging. The reptiles were surrendered to FWC and the individual was cited for three violations. After pleading "no contest" to two charges, the subject was fined and ordered to donate a portion of the fine to the Wildlife Alert Trust Fund. If you suspect illegal wildlife activity, report it to MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert

03/25/2025

See how a concerned citizen, Wildlife Alert, an FWC officer and the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station worked together to make a positive difference!

02/21/2025

Night Hunting No-No
FWC officers responded to a trespassing and possible poaching complaint. After setting up surveillance, they spotted a light sweeping across a field, followed by the sound of a gunshot. Officers activated their blue lights and attempted to apprehend the subject, who fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, they caught the subject, who was found in possession of a single-shot shotgun with a spent cartridge still inside. The subject was arrested for: ⚠️ Trespassing with a firearm ⚠️ Resisting officers without violence ⚠️ Attempting to take deer at night with a gun and light. Remember, if you see something suspicious, report it to MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert

02/18/2025

Thanks to a Wildlife Alert tip that reported illegal dumping of construction debris in a Broward County canal, FWC officers were able to arrest two subjects for the violation. Learn how you can make a difference by reporting suspected violations at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert

02/14/2025

Person Arrested for Injuring Protected Bird
FWC officers responded to reports of a person at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park throwing rocks at a federally protected great white heron. The investigation revealed the individual was fishing and became angry when the bird ate his bait. In a cruel act, he threw rocks at the heron, severely injuring it. The subject admitted to the crime and was arrested and taken to jail. The injured heron is now in the care of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, where experts are working to rehabilitate it. Check out the video about this case.

Learn how you can report wildlife violations at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert

02/12/2025

Conserve Florida’s Wildlife – Speak Up!
Some may think wildlife violations don’t matter or don’t directly affect them. But the truth is, reporting fish, wildlife, and boating violations is essential to helping ensure healthy fish and wildlife populations and protect people who enjoy Florida’s great outdoors. It’s easy to report at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert and you can do so anonymously.

02/07/2025

Caught Bowfishing for Bass
An FWC officer received a heads up about an individual who had posted several videos of himself bowfishing freshwater gamefish, which is an illegal method of take. The officer investigated and shared the resulting information with the Miccosukee Police Department Wildlife Unit, who contacted the officer after they observed the individual bowfishing again. When they contacted the subject, they found him in possession of three Florida bass and one peacock bass. The subject received a notice to appear citation for the violation. MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert

02/04/2025

FWC Officer Responds to Illegal Hunting Activity
An FWC officer recently investigated reports of individuals hunting after legal shooting hours at Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area. The officer spotted a vessel returning to the ramp with two individuals aboard, outfitted for duck hunting. Upon inspection, it was confirmed one of the subjects had harvested two ducks that evening. Hunting is permitted until noon at this area. The subject was cited for the violation. MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert

01/27/2025

Poacher brought to justice!

Poacher Busted: A Success Story of Teamwork & Persistence
It all started with game camera photos from a local landowner. After a thorough investigation and a bit of tech magic, we were able to track down the suspect’s vehicle. Thanks to information from previous cases, the suspect’s identity was quickly linked to the vehicle.

With warrants in hand, our officers dug into cell phone data which confirmed the suspect’s location during the crimes. Detailed video footage from our team and additional key evidence from social media and text messages painted the whole picture. We arrested the suspect on two felony and nine misdemeanor charges.

From officers who’ve crossed paths with this poacher before to all the behind-the-scenes efforts, this case was a true example of hard work, dedication, and teamwork to protect our state’s resources from start to finish. We extend our gratitude to our dedicated officers who worked tirelessly to bring a notorious poacher to justice.

We take wildlife violations very seriously and encourage the public to report any potential violations by downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app, texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” and information about the violation, calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert