By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Making news
FWC on lookout for illegal sale of Game Online
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued a reminder that buying or selling wild game meat online is illegal. "We are running into this quite frequently in our Internet Crimes Unit," said Lt. George Wilson, head of that unit for the FWC. "People are posting ads, asking to buy meat, from deer and ducks, for example." A popular new pet diet may be escalating the problem. The diet, referred to as the "prey model," calls for hormone-free, natural meat for dogs. This leads pet owners to look for wild game meat, often on the Internet. "Not only is this a violation, it is also a safety concern for people who purchase wild game meat online for themselves or their pets," Wilson said. "People who purchase the meat don't know the sanitary conditions in which it was processed." To report wildlife law violations, visit www.myfwc.com/law/alert or call toll-free 1-888-404-3922.
Upcoming
Birding takes flight this time of year
The Clearwater Audubon Society is offering plenty of birdwatching opportunities next month, and it starts with a walk through Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater on March 5. This easy, ¾-mile trail is ideal for beginning and advanced birders alike. There are two large ponds, a stream, and a nature center that houses turtles and injured birds. The group is also offering a Shorebird Identification Class at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin on March 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are other trips planned for throughout the month. For information, go to http://clearwateraudubon.org/index.php or contact Marianne Korosy at (727) 742-1683 or mkorosy@gmail.com.
Rodney Page, Times staff writer