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Unusual animal sightings in Manatee County: 5 wildlife stories

Stories by Bradenton Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Southwest Florida is home to many unique animals, from colorful birds and curious reptiles to top predators like the Florida panther.

This collection of articles highlights some of the special animals seen in Manatee County and how local preservation efforts can help protect their habitats.

Read the stories below.

The Florida panther is the most endangered cat in North America, according to the Endangered Species Coalition.

NO. 1: ON THE PROWL: RARE FLORIDA PANTHER SIGHTING CAUGHT ON VIDEO AT MANATEE COUNTY PRESERVE

The county says sightings are becoming frequent at this park. | Published January 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

The Florida scrub jay is a threatened species of bird found only in the desert-like scrub habitats of Florida.

NO. 2: ‘A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE.’ HOW ANNUAL COUNT HELPS PROTECT ENDANGERED FLORIDA BIRD

Conservationists in Manatee County hope to save the Florida scrub jay from extinction. | Published July 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

Pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 30. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 3: PELICAN PARADISE: FLORIDA’S OTHER SNOWBIRDS MAKE ANNUAL SPLASH LANDING IN BRADENTON

You know it’s winter in Manatee County when the white pelicans arrive. | Published January 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffany Tompkins

The Florida panther is the most endangered cat in North America, according to the Endangered Species Coalition. By Art Wolfe

NO. 4: FLORIDA PANTHERS AND MORE: 5 RARE AND ENDANGERED ANIMALS FOUND IN EAST MANATEE COUNTY

You might associate the Bradenton area with coastal creatures like dolphins and sea turtles, but Manatee County has much more to offer. | Published March 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

A northern pintail duck was among over 150 species documented during Manatee County Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 14, 2024. By Kathy Doddridge

NO. 5: WHAT RARE BIRDS ARE IN BRADENTON THIS CHRISTMAS? SEE RESULTS OF MANATEE AUDUBON COUNT

Local birders spotted several birds “rarely seen in Bradenton.” | Published December 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.