Wildlife advocates say proposed FWC sloth rules fall short after Sloth World deaths

Florida wildlife officials are seeking public input on proposed regulations for sloth ownership following the deaths of more than 50 sloths at Central Florida's Sloth World, but conservation groups say the changes fall short of preventing another tragedy.

Manatee in Indian River Lagoon rescued after being caught in crab trap

A manatee is recovering after wildlife rescuers freed it from a crab trap that left the animal struggling to surface for air in the Indian River Lagoon near Titusville.

What's behind the growing number of bear encounters in the US this year

Bear encounters with humans are on the rise, especially in the Rocky Mountains, where the summer drought has bears seeking food in urban areas, leading to encounters with humans.

Dozens of cats seek homes after Port Orange rescuer dies from terminal cancer

After a longtime animal advocate died, dozens of cats she rescued are now looking for homes as a Central Florida rescue works to care for them.

Six beluga whales from Marineland in Canada arrive in the US, last of 30 rescued from closed park

The unprecedented rescue of 30 beluga whales from Marineland, a closed park in Niagara Falls, Canada that could no longer care for them, is now complete with the safe arrival of the final six whales to the United States.

Teen flips ultra-rare 1-of-1 gold Jimothy rookie card for major payday on eBay

A 13-year-old Seattle Mariners fan turned a free ballpark giveaway into a five-figure payday after a rare rookie card featuring the city's viral raccoon sensation sold for a whopping $21,100.

North Carolina warns mobile petting zoo visitors of rabies exposure after baby goats test positive

North Carolina health officials are urging people who touched baby goats at a mobile petting zoo to contact their local health department after several goats tested positive for rabies.

Florida HVAC worker accused of kicking 5-pound Chihuahua unconscious at Sanford home, police say

A Florida HVAC worker was arrested under suspicion of aggravated animal cruelty after he was caught on camera kicking a small 5-pound Chihuahua unconscious, and leaving it alone for several seconds, according to the Sanford Police Department.

Meet Bolt, the TSA's cutest canine for 2026

Bolt, a “doggone dedicated” bomb sniffer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has been named TSA’s top dog for 2026.

Dog with special needs and in hospice care has wheelchair stolen from Florida rescue: Police

Police are searching for a stolen wheelchair after someone walked up to a porch and took the specialized device meant for a dog in hospice care, leaving her with no way to move around independently.

Peekachu, rescued beluga whale at Shedd Aquarium, dies suddenly

Peekachu, one of eight beluga whales recently rescued from a closed Canadian marine park and brought to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, died suddenly Tuesday evening.

Fromm recalls wet dog food over potential metal contamination

Fromm Family Foods is recalling cases of wet dog food over potential metal contamination. It’s at least the second dog food recall announced this month.

Sloth World investigation closed without charges as calls for change grow

Two days after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) closed its investigation into Sloth World without recommending criminal charges, reaction and calls for legislative change continue to build across Central Florida and the conservation community.

Palm Coast woman accused of abandoning dog, cat after eviction

A Palm Coast woman was arrested after investigators said she abandoned a dog and cat inside a home following an eviction, leaving the animals without adequate food, water or air conditioning for an extended period.

14 horses rescued from Lake County property where 85 dogs were removed

Fourteen horses have been removed from a Lake County property where authorities previously rescued 85 dogs, according to a horse rescue organization involved in the operation.