Photo Source: Alexa Elliot

WALKING THE STRAIGHT AND WILD
The Florida Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are just a few government-run organizations that monitor and regulate the state’s abundant wildlife. "By managing protected habitats, wildlife officers ensure the survival of rare and native species for their longtime well-being; as a result, workers help preserve Florida’s natural beauty for the benefit of future generations as well." Environmental rangers pay special attention and routinely patrol areas open to the public. Officers enforce strict hunting and fishing limits and check for the use of illegal hunting weapons. In addition, marine vessels are subject to random safety equipment checks.

LONE RANGERS
With no one but Mother Nature and a few dirt trails to guide you, it’s easy for an inexperienced visitor to get lost in Florida’s vast wilderness. State agencies are equipped with knowledgeable personnel that make sure even the most remote habitats are cared for. Florida’s defenders of the wild not only protect wildlife, but they also serve you! These modern day ‘Bushmen’ have the experience to survive extreme weather conditions and maneuver through harsh terrain; necessary skills during times of emergency. “Lions and tigers and bears; oh my!” Florida’s law-enforecement officials may not be in Kansas, but they’re not safe from harm either. While on the job, workers must keep an eye out for potentially dangerous organisms like prickly plants, venomous snakes, and toothy alligators to name a few. The hours are long, the work is hard and the mosquitoes are almost always a menace. These dedicated individuals must be able to adapt to the places and creatures they protect.

Resources for this article have been provided by the FWC, and the SPCA Wildlife Care Center.