Hurricane Dogs + Snake Rides Gator + Panther Deaths: FL Animal News

FLORIDA — In Florida, Patch stories about our furry, fluffy, feathered and scaled friends are among those most widely viewed by readers.

From dogs lost and found during hurricanes to a snake spotted hitching a ride on the back of a gator to a record number of panther deaths reported in 2024, here are some of the stories about the state's pets and wildlife.

‘Just Another Day In FL’: 9-Foot Gator Blocks Road, Sheriff Says

Deputies worked with Florida Fish and Wildlife to remove a 9-foot-long gator from a Hillsborough County road, the sheriff's office said.

FL Dog Abandoned On I-75 During Hurricane Finds Permanent Home

Trooper, left tied up in rising floodwaters along I-75 during Hurricane Milton, now has a forever home, the Leon County Humane Society said.

Gator Bites 84-Year-Old FL Woman Walking Her Dog: Reports

An 84-year-old woman was hospitalized after a gator attacked her while she was walking her dog Thursday night in North Fort Myers: sheriff

Cat Shot With Arrow In St. Pete: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Investigators are looking for the person who shot a "super friendly" neighborhood cat in unincorporated St. Pete with an arrow.

Record FL Panthers Killed In Vehicle Crashes

Two panthers as young as 4 weeks have been killed this year in attacks, while vehicles are the leading cause of deaths in Florida panthers.

Kodiak Bear Cubs Native To AK Found On FL Panhandle Road: Watch

Two friendly Kodiak cubs escaped from a "self-proclaimed bear trainer's" home and were found roaming a FL Panhandle road, deputies said.

9-Foot Gator Saved On Selmon Expressway In Tampa: FL Highway Patrol

A 9-foot-long alligator was recently captured and saved from traffic on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in Tampa, the FL Highway Patrol said.

Puppy’s Broken Leg Leads To Animal Cruelty Charges: Pinellas Sheriff

A man was charged with animal cruelty after a puppy in his care broke its leg in Palm Harbor, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.

Gator Spotted Sunning On Mattress In FL Canal After Hurricane: Report

A gator was seen sunning itself on a mattress that's been floating in a debris-filled north FL canal since Hurricane Helene, a report said.

More Than 100 Displaced Flamingos Remain In FL Months After Hurricane Idalia

Flamingos displaced after Hurricane Idalia swept through Florida in August continue to call the Sunshine State home, Audubon Florida said.

10 Years Later, Missing Dog Found In Tampa Reunited With Owner

After going missing 10 years ago, a 14-year-old cockapoo found in Tampa was reunited with her owners in South FL, Humane Society said.

Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium Introduces Companion To Resident Manatee

After the death of his brother last year, Buffett the manatee has been introduced to a potential new companion, Mote Marine Aquarium said.

Tiny Gator Swept From Lobby Of FL Restaurant: Watch

Deputies used a broom to sweep a tiny gator from outside a Bradenton Peach's restaurant, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

Snake Riding On Gator 'Most FL Thing Ever': Report

A FL man recently caught video of a snake hitching a ride on the back of a gator in the Everglades, reports said.

Dog Caught In TS Debby Reunited With FL Family After 918 Days Missing

Rusty, a chow chow mix missing from his FL home for 2.5 years, was taken in after being caught in the storm, then reunited with his family.

Stolen Kittens Returned To Humane Society Of Tampa Bay

Two underage kittens stolen from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay were recovered by Tampa police and returned to the organization.

Four Endangered Lemurs Born At FL Lemur Conservation Foundation

The Lemur Conservation Foundation recently welcomed 4 baby lemurs representing 3 endangered species at its Myakka City reserve.

Gator Chases Golf Cart In South FL, Lunges At Driver: Reports

An angry gator was recently caught on video chasing after a golf cart in South Florida and lunging at the driver, reports said.

Milton, A Dog That Survived 2 FL Hurricanes On The Streets, Needs Home

Sarasota-area rescuers have rallied to support Milton, a husky mix who survived Hurricanes Helene and Milton while alone on the streets.

Juliet, One Of The Oldest Known Manatees, Dies At 65: ZooTampa

Romeo and Juliet, an aging manatee couple weighing about 3,000 pounds each, were transferred to ZooTampa from Miami Seaquarium in December.

Decapitated Rescue Dog Found In Plastic Bag At FL Beach: Sheriff

A man faces charges in the death of a recently adopted dog whose decapitated body was found in a plastic bag at Fort Desoto Park, PCSO said.