-----FWC Approves New Rule to -----
- Stop Illegal Trapping of Songbirds -

Songbirds, particularly Painted Buntings, are highly prized pets for some. This has created a profitable black market. Migratory birds, such as the Painted Bunting pictured below, already face too many threats to their habitat and survival. Do your part. If you see bird traps or know of an illegal operation to capture birds for profit, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or by email or text to Tip@MyFWC.com.

According to Florida Audubon, "Songbird trapping has been illegal in the United States since the passage of the Migratory Bird Act, but nevertheless, a profitable black market in songbirds continues to thrive, particularly in South Florida. “These traps are the tools of an illicit black market," said Audubon Florida Executive Director Julie Wraithmell. "Florida is a leader among states, taking steps to prohibit their possession.”"

"The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) today approved a rule to help protect Florida’s native songbirds from illegal capture. The new rule within Chapter 68A-16, F.A.C. (Rules Relating to Birds) includes regulations regarding the use, placement and possession of bird traps, and will go into effect later this year.

Background:
The illegal trapping of native birds has long been a concern in the state, particularly in south Florida where trapping is believed to be widespread. Birds are lost from the wild population and, in many cases, may be mistreated and are sometimes killed or injured when illegally trapped. The new rule will provide an additional tool for law enforcement officers to help stop the poaching of these birds, while still allowing for lawful uses of bird traps."

Report any instances of illegal trapping to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or by email or text to Tip@MyFWC.com.

Photo credit: FWC
#ImagineOurFlorida #IOF #PaintedBunting #songbirds
https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/cm-bird-trapping/

--- Tuesday Trivia ---
Why do all hurricanes spin counter-clockwise?
A. Gravitational Force
B. Earth's Magnetic Field
C. Wagon-wheel Effect
D. Coriolis Effect

Please Post your Answer in the Comments.
Answer revealed tonight at 6 pm.
Be the first to know
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--- What's for Dinner? ---

"Mmmm, I smell something good! Did you know I can smell your yummy food from a mile away? The enticing aromas lure me into your human neighborhood. When I'm in the woods, I use my fingernails to dig for insects and to pick berries. When I visit your neighborhood, I use my fingernails to open your refrigerator, pop open boxes of frozen foods, gallons of ice tea, cartons of ice cream and containers of whipped cream. Sometimes, I even help myself to a beer. You are all wonderful cooks. I know because I use my fingernails to tear open your trash bags so I can taste all the food in your trash cans too. Sometimes, I use my fingernails to rip your screens because the pet food you leave on your porch helps make me really fat. The seeds in your birdfeeders are delicious too.
I hope all of my girlfriends visit your neighborhood too. When they all get nice and plump, they will have a lot of my babies. I sure hope you love bears because next summer, my girlfriends will bring all of their mischievous teenage cubs back to your neighborhood to fatten up for the next winter."

A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR: Bears who become habituated to human neighborhoods may be relocated and if they make human contact may be euthanized.

BE BEAR SMART: Secure Your Attractants.

Be A GOOD NEIGHBOR: Explain to your neighbors the importance of securing their bear attractants for the health, safety, and welfare of everyone in the neighborhood including our beautiful bears!

🐻In preparation for denning, bears are in search of up to 20,000 calories each day.
🐻 Bears Love Pumpkins! Don't lure them into your neighborhood with fall decorations including pumpkins and squash.
🐻 The amount of stored fat determines the amount of body heat Mama bears will have available to produce cubs.
🐻 If Mama is fat, she will have 2-3 cubs. If Mama does not have a lot of fat, she will only have 1, or possibly no cubs.
🐻 This is Nature's way of ensuring that bears will never overpopulate their food source.
🐻Nature knows best and has it all under control when Humans learn not to interfere.

Let's all work together to show bears there is no available food in our neighborhoods. When we do, they will retreat back into the woods in search of healthier food where Nature will provide all they need for a wonderful life. Be sure to "Like" us at https://www.facebook.com/imagineourflorida/

#ImgineOurFlorida #IOF #ConnectRespectCoexist #BlackBears #Welovebears #FloridaBears