BANDIT Wildlife Management

I just got a call yesterday from a woman who was questioning what happens to the chickens in Key West, It still amazes me how few people know exactly what happens to the chickens in Key West, they think they’re hunted down and treated badly, a lot of misinformation in this electronic age we live in. Like I told the woman they’re treated very well and they are taken to places where they are able to live happily ever after. The End.

These carnivorous lizards, like the Argentinian Black and White Tegu, and The Nile Monitor Lizard are another example of humans being directly responsible for releasing invasive species into the wild.

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge’s Invasive Species Biologist recently led an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) effort to locate and capture an Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) first spotted on April 25, 2026. This marks only the second known occurrence of this invasive species in North Key Largo.

Following the sighting, refuge staff deployed remote cameras and live traps across the area. Based on behavior and physical characteristics, there is high confidence that the captured tegu is the same individual observed earlier.

Because tegus are large, omnivorous lizards capable of threatening federally listed wildlife through predation and competition, we'll keep monitoring the area to protect our native species. Thanks for supporting conservation!

Photo Credit: Isabella Collamati

Every Monday when the conditions are perfect.

What a great shot!!!!!!!

📷One Everglades, Many Stories

Photographer Jade Cave shares the story of how she captured the 2025 Everglades National Park Photo Contest's Runner-Up image:

“I encountered the raccoon that was playfully moving among the trees, as if engaged in a game of peek-a-boo. I remained calm and steady to avoid startling it, and I managed to observe it within the trees. I captured a magical moment, the raccoon between the trees. The raccoon was incredibly cute. I just love watching our wildlife and this encounter was one of my favorites.”

NPS Photo by Jade Cave