1st Fatal Black Bear Attack | Gator's Death Roll | ‘Well-Dressed’ Passenger Pup: FL Animal News 2025

From gator attacks and interactions to therapy dogs — and even a therapy cat — to the state’s first fatal black bear attack, Florida Patch has rounded up some of the top animal news stories from 2025

Gator Made Death Roll, Dragged Woman Underwater: New Report

A new report on a fatal gator attack in Polk County says the reptile performed a death roll on a woman before dragging her underwater.

Stolen Puppy Reunited With Family: Hillsborough County Sheriff

A French bulldog puppy was reunited with his family after he was stolen during an armed burglary at a Brandon cell phone store, HCSO said.

Friendly Cat Joins Pet Therapy Program At Tampa-Area Hospital

Bentley, a 13-year-old Persian cat who loves people, is a new addition to the pet therapy program at a Tampa-area hospital.

Man Who Tied Abandoned Dog To Fence During Hurricane Milton Cleared Of Charges

Florida authorities found the dog tied to a fence in standing water off Interstate 75 just hours before Milton made landfall.

Tampa Woman Pries Dog From Gator’s Jaws: Reports

A Tampa woman fought off a 6.5-foot-long alligator Tuesday to save the life of her dog, Kona, according to multiple reports.

DNA Confirms FL's 1st Fatal Black Bear Attack: New Details

Florida wildlife officials on Friday say DNA shows a man and his dog were killed by a 263-pound black bear that entered the man's property.

‘Well-Dressed’ FL Passenger Pup Safe After DUI Driver Arrested: Police

A fashionable passenger pup is safe after its driver was arrested for driving under the influence, FL police said.

Man Dragged Dog Behind Truck For 1 Mile: Tampa Police

A man dragged a dog behind his truck for 1 mile before abandoning the injured animal in a bank parking lot, Tampa police said.

Manatees Flock To Warmer Waters During Extreme FL Cold Snap

Hundreds of manatees seeking refuge from the polar vortex are gathering at Florida springs and other warm-water havens this week.

2 Dogs Attack, Kill FL Boy, 8, Riding His Bicycle

A pitbull and mixed breed dog attacked a young boy, who died of his injuries after witnesses tried CPR, Volusia County authorities say.

Woman Arrested While Walking Dog On I-275 In Tampa Area: Reports

Duke the dog is safe after a Tampa woman illegally walking him along Interstate 275 was arrested and faces charges, reports said.

FL Polio Survivor Raising Funds To Continue Work With Therapy Dogs

A Trinity man and polio survivor is raising money for a new mobility van so he can continue his community work with therapy dogs.

FL Allows Black Bear Hunting For First Time In 10 Years

See where you are allowed to hunt black bears in Florida for the first time in 10 years, and how to apply for a permit.

FL Zoo Expands Manatee Critical Care Center With New 16K-Gallon Medical Pools

ZooTampa has expanded its Manatee Critical Care Center with the addition of two new 16,000-gallon medical pools.

Dog Found Abandoned In Cage On FL Highway

A dog was found abandoned in a cage on the shoulder of Interstate 275 in the Tampa area, FL Highway Patrol said. Do you know its owner?

2 Bottlenose Dolphins, Visiting Baby Kangaroos Welcomed At Clearwater Aquarium

In addition to the dolphins, a nurse shark, tortoises and tropical birds from Miami Seaquarium now call Clearwater Marine Aquarium home.

FL Dog Groomer Pleads Guilty To 5 Animal Abuse Charges

The owner of a dog grooming business in Sarasota was accused of beating and tossing dogs while grooming them, police said.

Gator Surprises Worker At Downtown New Port Richey Ice Cream Shop

A 4-foot-long gator, likely from a nearby lake, surprised an employee at a downtown New Port Richey ice cream shop, the owner said.

‘Pup-Date’: Starving Dogs Recovering After Rescue From FL Home, Cops Say

The five large-breed dogs rescued from "deplorable conditions" will be available for adoption after they recover, Bradenton police said.

FL Man Accused Of Killing, Eating His Pet Peacocks After Fight With Neighbor

A man was charged with aggravated animal cruelty for killing and eating two of his pet peacocks, the Pasco sheriff said in an arrest report.

Gator Attacks Hiker Who Stepped On It While Walking On FL Trail: Reports

A hiker was bitten on the arm and leg after by a gator she accidentally stepped on while walking through water on a Southwest FL trail.

Man Threw Dog Protecting Girl Off St. Pete Balcony: Sheriff

The dog was brought to a St. Pete area animal hospital with serious injuries, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.

14-Foot, 600-Pound Gator Wrangled By FL Deputies

It took eight people, including seven deputies, to wrangle a 14-foot-long, 600-pound gator in Sarasota County