The Trailblazer

In honor of World Wildlife Day on March 3rd, let’s take a look at some of the wildlife that call Hillsborough County home. You won't have to search hard to find them; these spectacular creatures can be viewed throughout Hillsborough County at your nearest conservation park or nature preserve. In 1987, Hillsborough County leadership thought it prudent to conserve land, waterways, and wildlife, ensuring the preservation of these resources for future generations to enjoy. Because of the wisdom of our community leadership, wildlife thrives in our backyards. Here is a sampling of 10 mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish you may encounter in the untamed, undeveloped lands of our County Parks and Preserves. Black Crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Despite being named because they are most active at night, these birds can be seen in many of our conservation parks during the day. These short, stocky birds live in Florida year-round and primarily eat fish. They’re a communal bird a...

  You may have met the Diamondback Terrapin before, they’re a cute and charismatic turtle that’s beloved up and down the United States East Coast and call Tampa Bay home, too. Mascot of schools big and small – Maryland and Tampa Prep – this creature was nearly wiped out in the early 1900’s and is still facing pressure to survive today. A diamondback terrapin buried in the sand. These adorable spotted turtles with multicolored shells live in brackish waters – a mix of salty and fresh water – on our shores. They like mangrove estuaries, tidal creeks, burrowing in the sand, and are active during the daytime. They eat snails, crabs, clams, worms, fish, and plants. Beginning March 1 st we are giving them a better chance as FWC makes it mandatory to install excluder or “bycatch reduction devices” devices on crab traps in Florida, or to ensure the trap itself has a rigid funnel opening no larger than 2” x 6”. What’s a bycatch reduction device? It’s a plastic piece to attach to the op...