Be Free Dogs - Dog Training in South Florida

Be Free Dogs is a dog training facility that evaluates each specific dog and owner dynamic.  This facility is dedicated to making sure you and your pet have the best quality of life.  This training facility works with you and your dog to make sure your dog is obedient as possible.  Has your dog ever tugged you down the street?  Be Free Dogs trains your dog how to walk by your side on a leash or without one.  It is time to be stress free and have a loving and well behaved dog to come home to.


Be Free Dogs offers 3 different services:

Be Free Pups Foundation Package -- People are constantly asking us “When’s a good time to start training my puppy?” Our answer is always “NOW!!”  Dogs are constantly learning.  If you are not shaping their behavior now, their environment will.  Avoid annoying behaviors and get your pup on a super start with our incredible puppy package.  Learn how to establish a special bond with your puppy and teach him/her the imperative skills needed to become a mannerly well adjusted pet in just four-sessions.  Your puppy will learn house manners, how to walk nicely on a leash, potty training, how to select appropriate items to chew on, not to bolt out of doors, not to jump, to sit-stay, relaxation exercises, to come when called every time, and much, much more! This package is designed for puppies aged 9 weeks to 5 months. This is real training with real results. 

The Be Free Four-Footed Family Member -- Here’s how to get your dog to listen to you, in the house and around your neighborhood immediately!!  This is a package that contains the vital skills needed to teach your dog to be a well mannered, well adjusted dog that every one loves to be around.  Learn imperative communication skills that every top dog trainer uses and get incredibly quick results with this five-session package.  Teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash, hold a sit-stay, never to bolt out of your door again, not to jump, relax in relaxed settings, come when called every single time OFF LEASH, and much, much more!  Increase the quality of life for you and your dog! This easy to learn, safe and fun package works on all breeds. This package is designed for dogs over 5 months.  This is real training with real results. 

Personalized Packages – These sessions allow you to focus and correct problems for which you may need special assistance.  Whether it’s tricks and performance, competition obedience, or behavior problems such as potty training, aggression, and more… we can tailor a package specific to your dog.  You tell us what you want.

Located at:  2750 SW 116 Ave Suite 109, Miramar, FL 

(786) 419-3647

ARF - Animal Kindness Radio Show

Tune in every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. on WPBR-AM to hear a variety of topics on animals.  From dogs to cats, to even horses, this radio show is for pet owners to learn more about animal kindness. Topics include  pet insurance, natural horsemanship, and the effect that domestic violence has on animals.  The show is sponsored by Animal Kindness Unit of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and can be streamed at www.wpbr1340am.com.  

The program ARF is hosted by Boynton Beach resident Barbara Masi. Although the show started in June, it still lacks a large audience. Masi and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office are working hard to  educate the public on how to care for their animals.  Masi has been rescuing and rehabilitating greyhounds throughout the year, but she has been working hard to learn more about other animals.  According to Masi, she just wants people to learn how to treat their animal with kindness.


According to the Palm Beach Post, Masi works with Laura Danowski of Heads-Up Media to find equestrian topics. They are always looking for interesting guests as well as sponsors. Listeners with a sponsor or story idea can call Masi at (561)688-3981 or e-mail her at animalkindness@pbso.org. Anyone who wants to call during the show can call (561) 533-6134 . Callers outside Palm Beach County can dial (866) 936-9727.

Pornstars for Pups

On Friday and Saturday night,  Off the Hookah in West Palm Beach is holding the most entertaining charity of the year.  Hosted by Ron Jeremy, provocative penthouse pets will be posing with their pets on Clematis Street.  The charity will be raising funds and awareness to several animal shelters throughout the country.  Pornstars For Puppies has been hosting parties and events where penthouse girls have been selling autograph photos of them posing with their pets.  

According to Fox News, "They garnered fame as "Penthouse Pets" but now the men’s magazine centerfolds have opted for a different approach and are posing with their pets — all in the name of charity." If you live around West Palm Beach and you like puppies or pornstars, this event is for you!  It will be a lot of fun and all the money will be raised to help numerous dogs.  A large portion of the money that is raised will go to the Peggy Adams Animal Shelter in West Palm Beach. 


Friday at  7:00 pm and Saturday at 4:00 pm.


Location: 
OFF THE HOOKAH WPB

314 CLEMATIS STREET

West Palm Beach, FL

Palm Beach Zoo

The Palm Beach Zoo is located in West Palm Beach and is one of the most well respected zoos in the state of Florida. It houses over 1,400 animals on 23 acres of land. Numerous programs happen each day as well as many seasonal events. One of the daily shows is Wings over Water, which has 20 trained birds put on display their skills in both a majestic and funny fashion. The Wild Things Show features New Guinea singing dogs and an African pygmy hedgehog. Both events happen once daily, at either 11am, noon, or 1pm.

The zoo also takes part in many different conservation programs. They help with sea turtle restoration, work in Argentina to save jaguars, help in Baja California to save the pronghorn, and have helped more than quadruple the beach mouse population. On November 20th and 21st the zoo is celebrating the Year of the Tiger in which they "will be celebrating the arrival of Berapi, a female Malaysian tiger that is to be paired with our resident male, Mata,"according to the Palm Beach Zoo. Crafts, live music, and roaming animal encounters will be on display for the event which is from 10am to 4pm those two days.

For adults admission is $16.95 and $11.95 for children from 3-12. The zoo is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9am to 5pm. Be sure to visit!

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

The Gumbo Limbo Nature center is a project in Boca Raton that was founded in 1984. It consists of a protected barrier island that provides care for many rare and endangered species of plants and animals. More than 100,000 people visit the island each year to learn about the many things it has to offer. The nature center features four outdoor seawater tanks; the Mangrove Tank, the Reef Tank, the Shark and Ray Tank, and the Sea Turtle Tank. " All the animals in our sea tanks represent our local marine enviorments,"according to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.

Green Sea Turtle

Also on the island is a 1/4 mile boardwalk trail. It displays an ecosystem that once covered all of Florida. The types of plants and trees are the driving feature of the trail, with such life like grey foxes and red-bellied woodpeckers also being sighted every once in a while. The biggest project behind the nature center is the sea turtle conservation program they have. Florida's beaches supply important nesting beaches for species like the green and leatherback turtles. Every species of sea turtle in the world is either threatened or endangered which makes this project all that more important. This year they opened a sea turtle rehabilitation center, and since then have saved and released more than 150 sea turtles that were once stranded. 

The Gumbo Limbo Nature center is located on North Ocean Boulevard in Boca Raton. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. 

Animal Grossology

Palm Beach Daily News

If you love learning gross stuff about science then head to the South Florida Science Museum sometime before January 9th to see the new Animal Grossology exhibit. It's an interactive exhibit aimed at both kids and adults to teach us about the more disgusting side of nature. "Through Animal Grossology, kids and adults alike can learn the biology behind snail slime, fly vomit (yuck!), the blood cravings of leeches and more," says the Palm Beach Daily News.

One of the exciting things created for it is an interactive station in which you crawl through a submarine type display and through the windows look out to see facts about certain sea creatures. "The sea cucumber, for example, will sometimes expel sticky portions of its primitive respiratory system to try to fend off a predator." The exhibit is based on the children's line of Grossology books written by Sylvia Branzei. It appears the disgusting side of nature is more appealing than it seems.


The South Florida Science Museum features over 50 exhibits, a planetarium, both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and a few natural history exhibitions. 

No more cruelty to dogs!

Palm Beach Post

This past summer was a rough one for dogs. Record numbers of them were picked up from homes after being chained outside without food, water, or shelter. In Palm Beach County it is illegal to chain dogs outside between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. If the temperature reaches 90 degrees you must supply food, water, and shelter for your dog. According to the Palm Beach Post, in an average summer two to three dogs are found a week that are taken from their owners. This summer in one two week stretch almost 30 dogs were saved from their terrible lifestyle stuck in the heat.

One such incident occurred when a female pit bull that was nearly two years old was found one day baking in the 91 degree heat. What should have been a healthy 40 pound dog instead was found at a mere 10 pounds in a wired cage with no food or water. She managed to survive thanks to Animal Care and Control, though she has intestinal parasites and a skin disorder. Five other dogs were seized at the same house that day as well. The owners will face animal cruelty charges.

Animal Care and Control is the first agency in the southeast and second in the nation to become fully accredited by the Humane Society of the United States.

Horseback Riding for Disabled Riders

Photo Courtesy of Spirt Farm

For some individuals who are confined to a wheelchair, experienced an injury, mentally disabled, or has special needs.  Horseback riding has been providing therapy to such individuals for several years.  Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida has served over 120 children and adult riders in Broward and Palm Beach County.  Their mission is to provide therapeutic riding and equine-assited activities for the handicapped so that they may improve physically, mentally, and emotionally.  

This organization hits close to home because my mother is involved in a riding association in Viera, Fl.  She started riding and volunteering at Harmony Farms about four years ago and it has helped her immensely.  Horseback riding has always been one of her favorite activities to do, but it was always difficult for her without help.  Disabled riding has improved her quality of life, balance, and love for horses.  

Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida provides disabled riders the opportunity to achieve goals, building self-confidence, self-awareness, and the enjoyment of riding horses.  This program offers people with special needs recreational therapy and an interaction with the world around them.  Along with fulfilling an ability that they thought they never had.  Employees and volunteers work hard to make sure the program offers pure enjoyment to all individuals.

This program is offered at Tradewinds Park, 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, Fl.    

Dog Adoption Month

It's that time of year again to make your way over to your local animal shelter or humane society.  October is the United States dog adoption month.  During the month of October, adoptions will be taking place at local parks, stores, and several adoption fairs. 

According to Dogs 4 Life, many dog pounds  will offer discounts or waive fees entirely on dog adoptions.  Another way you can help is visiting fundraising events and/or dog fairs,  where the money raised by several participants will be used to help support homeless dogs.  Other ways you can help is donate blankets, dog sweaters, supplies, money to local shelters or volunteer at a local dog pound.   

Spread the word to everyone you know about dog adoption month.  Homeless dogs and puppies need a loving family and home to go to.  

Pet Guardian Angels of America lists several south Florida animal shelters and dog pounds.

Florida Humane Society: Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach

Pet Rescue Miami

Abandoned Pet Rescue: Fort Lauderdale

Animal Aid: Boca Raton

Animal Matters: Boca Raton

Get a Life Pet Rescue: Boynton Beach

Pets in Distress: Fort Lauderdale

Safe Harbor and Animal Sanctuary: Jupiter

Adopt A Pet: Miami

North Palm Beach: Palm Beach Pet Rescue

West Palm Beach: Paw 2 Help

Stray Aid and Rescue Promotes Spray/Neutering

With the continued recession and the declining economy, Stray Aid and Rescue is here to help for your lovable pets.  The rescue offers affordable spray/neutering services and adoptions from rescue groups and shelters.  The Stray Aid and Rescue is dedicated in preventing pet over-population and the killing of homeless pets that end up in county shelters.

According to the Humane Society, each year in america 6-8 million homeless animals end up in animal shelters.  Unfortunately, only half of these animals are adopted or moved to non-kill shelters. The other half of these animals who don’t find a home are euthanized to prevent over-population.  It is a pet owners best interest to get their animal sprayed and neutered, to help contain the large amount of animals going into these shelters.

Stray Aid and Rescue will educate you on the importance of getting your pets sprayed/neutered. There is little to no cost for the surgery, so there is no reason not to do it.

Come and visit Stray Aid and Rescue in Fort Lauderdale to see and bring home a sweet and loving pet. They are located at 101 Griffin Road in Dania, Fl.

Wood Stork Endangered or Not?

The wood stork, a native of south Florida, has a possibility of being taken off the endangered species list.  The wood storks are around 45 inches tall with a wingspan of over 60 inches and a long bill used as a killing device. These bird inhabit much of the Everglades and can be seen in marshes and in roadside canals.  Their nest can be found on the top branch of a cypress tree. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, the wood stork has been on the endangered species list since February 28, 1984.

Environmentalists have raised concerns about housing developments taking over the wood stork's habitat.  According to the Sun Sentinal, "The Florida Home Builders Association last year petitioned the federal government to reclassify the species from endangered to threatened, as a step toward removing it from the list completely."  Environmentalists are taking advantage of this endangered bird, by stoping two home developments in Collier County.

The new housing developments is causing a conflict between the environmentalists and the home owners association. Environmentalists believe the storks habitats are still declining which should keep it at it's current endangered level. On the other hand the home owners feel like it's just excuses from the environmentalists.

Only 100 Florida Panthers Left

The beautiful Florida panther that resides in the southern tip of Florida, is one of the most endangered specie in the world.  As of right now, there are about only 100 panthers roaming around left.  According to the Defenders of Wildlife, panthers habitats are threatened by inbreeding, human development, territorial arguments between panthers, collision of vehicles, and diseases.


             

"Although we call them Florida panthers, these shy cats once roamed throughout the entire southeast from east Texas to the Atlantic and north to parts of Tennessee," said Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge. Right now you can see Florida panthers at Florida National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, or Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.  However, panthers can also be seen crossing highways and around alligator alley in search of a new habitat.  

                           
View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

There are several organizations and ways that you can help save the Florida panther from becoming extinct.   Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge sells merchandise to support the Florida panther.  Such merchandise includes hats, shirts, coffee cups, and the Florida license plate.  In addition, the Big Cat Rescue, says you can always donate straight to the Florida Panther Refuge or you can adopt your own panther.. 

The beautiful birds at Butterfly World

Living in south Florida, we see a lot of birds flying around town.  However, some of the most beautiful birds are located in the aviaries at Butterfly World in Tradewinds Park.

Photo by Me

Photo By Me

Inside the Jewels of the Sky aviary, hummingbirds go by you with their wings beating 60 times a second.  The humming birds might be the smallest birds in the world, but they can reach speeds of 45 mph and fly in any direction. Butterfly World mentioned, "In proportion to their overall size, they have both the largest brain and heart of any animal, and an amazing heart rate of between 500 and 1200 beats per minute" .  Right now there are 328 known species of hummingbirds  and they can be found in North, Central, and South America.

"Don't forget to cross the Tinalandia suspension bridge to explore the Jewels of the Sky Hummingbird Aviary. Kids especially enjoy the Lorikeet Encounter, where visitors may interact with the "clowns of the bird world" and feed them by hand," advise from Parents Connect.  The lorikeets are known as the  "brush-tongued" parrot because of their long brush-like tongue that makes it easy to feed on nectar and pollen.  These parrots are very fast learners and they enjoy human interaction.  They develop new tricks each day and can also cause trouble in the park.  Lorikeets can be found in the wild or many enjoy owning them as pets.  Lorikeets are beautiful, playful energetic birds. According to Exotic Pet Birds, they love dancing to music which many owners find quite amusing.  

Photo By me

Other birds inside the Jewels of the Sky Aviary are the paradise tanager, gouldian finch, sunbird, and the red-legged honeycreeper.  Come check out these beautiful exotic birds!! 

Contact Info:

3600 W Sample Rd
Pompano Beach, Florida 33066
(954) 977-4400

A Trip to Butterfly World

Photo by me

Photo by Me

 This weekend I went down to Coconut Creek and had the pleasure of going to Butterfly World.  From the moment I entered the park, I was able to see the entire life cycle of the butterflies.  From there on I had the privilege of walking through 4 aviaries to see more butterflies then I have ever seen before.

Photo by Me

Each time I took a step, there was a different butterfly flying by me and being so close that I could see every detail on their wings.  Every time I went to take a photo of a butterfly, they became bigger and more beautiful.  This was one of the most unique experiences to be surrounded by more then 1,000 butterflies, under a beautiful aviary with a habitat unlike no other.

Butterfly World is the biggest butterfly garden in the world and the only one of its kind in the western hemisphere. In the park there is a research building and laboratory dedicated to studying the life of the butterfly.  Each butterfly is different by size, color, and wing span.  Butterflies rely on caterpillar food plants to live off of.  The female butterflies are attracted to the smell of the plants and this is where they lay their eggs.

Photo by Me

Photo by Me

Butterfly World offers classes in producing your own butterfly garden in your backyard.  The "Bring Back the Butterflies Campaign," offers plant guides for creating your own butterfly garden so you can enjoy watching these butterflies at home. The admission price to butterfly might seem a little high, but you can receive a $10 off coupon and learn more about this fantastic park.

Save the Gopher Tortoises!!

If you are heading to the beach, be sure to watch where you are walking.  The Gopher Tortoises are found all throughout south Florida walking on the sandy beaches.  They live in dry habitats such as: clay or sand hills, wire grass flatwoods or prairies.  The tortoise tends to lay under an open tree canopy for sunlight. They also enjoy being around small plants for food and digging burrows.

Photo Courtesy of Cooperative Conservation

The tortoises can build up to 9 burrows in their habitat.  These burrows are for protection and a way for them to hide their food.  A lot of the time there may be one tortoise to each burrow.  Another cool fact is the tortoise is not the only animal that stays in these burrows.  Animals known as commensals (mice, frogs and snakes), use these burrows to hide in and store their food as well. Unlike many other animals,  the tortoises will never hurt the commensals while they share their burrows.

The gopher tortoise is slowly being vanished from south Florida because their habitats have deteriated.  New buildings, homes, and parking lots go up everyday but that is one less place for a tortoise to live.  Also, these are not harmful tortoises and people enjoy bringing them home as pets.  But this is causing the tortoises to not be re-populated.  So I know their nice to look at, but leave them alone!!  There have been too many animals that have become extinct and we don't want them to be next.

University of Florida, Enchanted Forest

Slow down!! There is a manatee!!

Are you a boater living here in Southern Florida? Then be aware of some new boating regulations aiming to further protect the manatees. Recently the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee got together and overhauled the regulations that were previously in place since the early 1990's. Previously the speed limits were only imposed on the weekends during the winter, but that was changed to seven days a week.

Photo Courtesy of Palm Beach Post

The state proposed to kill the restrictions during the summer all together, as the manatees don't appear as much around that time of year. That proposal was rejected by the committee. The January 2010 state survey aiming to get the population of the Florida manatee numbered 5,067, the highest it's ever been. Things look up for the Florida manatee, but it's still a long road ahead. The past state surveys haven't always been accurate with numbers varying by up to 1,000 for different areas in the state. It's nice to see both boaters and environmentalists working together to find ways to help make sure that number keeps going up each year.

Blog Post for Shelter Dogs

Pedigree is sponsoring "Write a Post, Help a dog." I thought this was perfect to go into my blog.  Pedigree is constantly finding ways to help dogs in shelters all over the country.


This time Pedigree is reaching out to bloggers to simply write a post. Until Sunday, September 19th, every blogger who writes one post about the Pedigree Adoption Drive, Pedigree will donate a twenty pound bag of their new Health Longevity food to a shelter.

Please start blogging, there is only one day left!!


Write a Post, Help a Dog Project

A New Begininning for the Safe Harbor Animal Shelter

Trying to protect and control over 400 animals can’t be the easiest thing to do on 14,000 square feet. Luckily for the Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary they wont have to worry about space anymore.  After 25 years, the non-profit organization is closing their doors in Jupiter and relocating to Palm City to a much bigger property. Now the animals, volunteers, and workers can enjoy 28-acres in a beautiful location.

“On the property is a large home for the offices and perhaps later for the cat area of the shelter. The property also has a guest house that will be the home of a caretaker, a small barn where wild deer used to give birth to their young, a horse barn, acres of fenced property and three ponds.”tcoasttalk

Jupiter residents don’t worry though if you can’t make it over to the new location.  The Jupiter location will still be open and have an area for dogs and cats to be adopted.  Each week, there will be new breeds of dogs and cats that will be moved around from the Palm City location.  

With the non-kill adoptive center having a bigger location, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control will have a smaller number of dogs and cats within their shelter.  Safe Harbor takes in animals from off the streets, animals from shelters with a no non-kill policy, and owners who drop them off at the back door. This is amazing for the employees at Safe Harbor and Palm Beach County pet lovers. 

This new location is located at: 4841 SW Zarella St, Palm City, Fl.

Palm Beach Post, Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary

Dog and Cat Adoptions This Weekend in Jupiter

Have you been looking for a new critter or a furry companion?  Then don't miss your chance this weekend to bring home a new puppy or kitten.  

Photo Courtesy of Pet Insurance

This weekend both Pet Supermarket and Petco will be having adoptions at their stores.  On Saturday, September 18th, Pet Supermarket will have dogs and cats up for adoption from 11:00am until 3:00 pm.   Located at: 6755 W. Indiantown Road.  Then on Sunday, September 19th, Petco is also holding adoptions from 11:00am until 2:00pm.  Located at: 901 W. Indiantown Road. Animal Rescue Force.

Photo courtesy of Dog Guides

Petco and Petsmart will each have dogs and cats from several local shelters and rescues in the Jupiter area.  Both of the adoptions will have dogs and cats from all ages that need to be adopted.  Come to Jupiter and check it out, these animals need to go to good homes.  

"Sponsored by Hill's Science Diet
Adopt a dog or cat September 18th-19th and receive special offers from PETCO and $10 off any bag of Hill's Science Diet dry dog or cat food*. Adopt a cat during National Adoption Weekend and receive 1 FREE 16 lb. jug of PETCO Cat Litter*. Plus, all pet parents who adopt enjoy additional savings from PETCO's Think Adoption First™ Care and Savings program. Ask a store associate for details".PETCO.

PETCO, Pet Supermarket, Pet Finder, Pet Insurance

It's an Iguana Invasion!!

Photo by Me at FAU 

If you have been wandering around the south Florida area lately, you may have noticed iguanas hiding in the bushes, climbing up trees, or walking in front of your path. Iguanas have resided in south Florida and aren’t leaving anytime soon. Walking from class to class on the Boca campus at Florida Atlantic University you can see as many as fifty of them. I saw about ten the other day just walking from the Art and Letters building to the General South building.

“South and Central Florida's subtropical climate allows these large herbivorous (plant-eating) lizards to survive, reproduce, and become part of the Florida environment”  University of Central Florida. Right now there are three known species of iguanas that are populating our southern state. The three types include: the common green iguana, Mexican spiny-tailed, and the black spiny-tailed. Most of which live near the water, such as lakes and ponds and the inter-coastal

The iguana population in south Florida began by people owning them as pets. Lately these reptiles have found new ways to escape from homes and out to the streets. But watch out for these large green reptiles because they bring problems to boaters, home owners, and businesses.

If your out gardening, don’t be surprised to see half of your plants and flowers devoured. Collect your sweet fruit and vegetables off their roots or they’ll be gone tomorrow. Along with the yard take over, their droppings contain salmonella so be aware of what you touch and what you are stepping in. As to boaters, don’t be surprised when you want to take the boat out, you might have a problem getting to your boat. Iguanas getting their suntan might hold you up for a little while. Iguanas enjoy the warm climate and laying next to the water. These iguanas may look like cool creatures to keep as pets. However, they are very smart and can be very harmful to your house or garden.


Tropical Plants Library

Lions, Zebras, and Chimpanzees!! Oh My!!

Have you ever drove through a park and saw a lion out your window?  Well if you haven't, take advantage of Lion Country Safari.  I have lived in South Florida for 10 years and finally was able to visit this amazing attraction. Lion Country Safari is located in the heart of south Florida. This park is not your typical zoo, where at Lion Country Safari you can walk through or drive through the park.

Lion Country Safari

Ruaha National Park, Serengeti Plains, Hwange National Park, and other wildlife regions. Experiencing the tour is quite a unique attraction. You can have the chills coursing up your spine while a Rhino appears to run at your jeep, or turn around and witness an 18 foot giraffe merrily eating off a tree.

Feel like taking a walk on the wild side? Lion Country Safari gives you close encounters of over 10 bird species, several reptiles, and animals ranging from an Asian Potbellied Pig to a Spider Monkey. In addition to that, Lion Country Safari has several rides and attractions for kids of all ages, water slides in the summer, food, and recently added Camel rides. 

If you love South Florida and animals then this is an exciting attraction you shouldn't miss.

www.westpalmbeach.com
www.lioncountrysafari.com

Walking Into Spider Webs

Do you like taking a walk or bike ride through the park? Might want to take a look around before doing so at any of the local parks. Nothing to worry about, just a 4 inch Banana spider and a 6 foot web here and there. Calm down, they are completely harmless to us humans. If you get bit, at most you'd have mild swelling and skin irritation. They are actually incredibly good for the environment with the amount of mosquitoes they eat. They also munch on grasshoppers and other random small insects. The females get up to 4 inches in length while the males max out around a half inch. Typically they are a yellowish with whiteness on the abdomen and legs.

Photo Courtesy of the Palm Beach Post.

"Because of their size, people often assume the banana spider is dangerous. But in reality, it is shy and has a venom that is not lethal, causing some pain in the area of the bite and redness."  Palm Beach Post


The problem with them is that they are everywhere. It is peak season for them and they love open woods and swampy areas. Many parks have tried to relocate them to less busy areas, but for the most part there is nothing else we can do. Anything more than that would cause more problems than it would solve. As for now and the next several weeks though, it'll just feel like every park has become a spider zoo.

Animal News from South Florida

Hello!! My name is Jessica Slocum.  I am currently studying Multimedia Journalism at FAU.  I have always had a passion for animals and wildlife. 

Growing up, I desired becoming a vetrinarian but turns out I am horrible at science.  So when I chose my major, I still had hopes of incorporating animals into my career.  I am hoping my dream will come true and I can become a photojournalist for National Geographic or an underwater photographer.  

I currently reside in Coconut Creek, Fl with my bf and my dog Mocha.  Throughout south Florida there is a great amount of animal wildlife and a few zoos to explore.  I hope to show you what animal life in south Florida is all about.