We are saddened to learn of the passing of renowned artist and reptile enthusiast Tell Hicks. Hicks was an inspiration to many who knew him and enjoyed his art. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Eileen and his entire family.
He was a founding member of the International Herpetological Society and became its President in 2009.
Winter CrocFest 2025 is this Saturday, December 13th, at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. They are raising funds this time for Indian Gharial (Jeff Lang, PhD) and Gharial in Nepal (Phoebe Griffith, PhD).
CrocFest remains an entirely volunteer organization. Over the last 15 years, with your help they have raised over $1M for in situ crocodilian conservation projects around the world.
Thank you for your past support of CrocFest!
St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is located at 999 Anastasia Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080.
Event times are 12 Noon to 9 pm EST. Food will be served at 4 pm and Live Auction will begin at 6 pm.
Great to see everyone at Orlando Repticon this weekend! Thanks so much to our awesome volunteers Nick, Kayla, and Stefanie of NKS Reptiles and Jordan and Chris of Green Swamp Exotics, who brought their beautiful Rhino Iguana, Pearl, for everyone to see at the USARK FL table.
Photo by Lisa Parker
Please join USARK FL by going to our website www.usarkfl.net to help protect your freedoms to keep reptiles.
The Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) is one of the most interesting native Florida turtles. It nests mainly in the winter time. The eggs likely undergo diapause, which means that the embryos don't actually start to develop until they are exposed to warmer spring temperatures.
Chicken turtles primarily inhabit ephemeral (temporary) wetlands. They may wander from pond to pond to find the type of shallow water habitat they prefer. They feed on crayfish and dragonfly larvae as well as other arthropods, amphibians, and fish. Chicken turtles have long necks that enable them to strike prey at a surprising distance. In dry times, Chicken turtles may burrow in the ground to estivate.
Photo of Florida chicken turtle from Levy County, FL by Daniel Parker
Upcoming Events: FWC Commission Meeting Nov 5-6, 2025 8am-5pm Palm Beach State College Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center 1977 SW College Dr. Belle Glade, FL 33430 myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/nov… Watch live on thefloridachannel.org
Auction to benefit USARK FL Saturday Nov 8, 2025 4pm at Repticon Tampa @Repticon Official repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 US-301 Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
Items of interest to reptile keepers include changes to Prohibited Species caging, Reef gecko listing/ban, and changes to the FWC online permitting system.
Once again, Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda has been cancelled.
Items of Interest: Proposed Final Rule – Nonnative Prohibited Reptiles. Staff will present proposed changes to rules related to nonnative Prohibited reptiles. The proposed rules would provide alternative ways to construct outdoor enclosures for green iguanas used for exhibition or research, and for wild-caught green iguanas collected for sales. These changes would allow the use of dig barriers or closed-mesh wire for walls and floors to provide permittees with feasible and secure caging alternatives to current regulations. The proposed changes would also clarify requirements for transport of Prohibited reptiles, emergency preparedness plans, and develops rules related to collection and transport of wild-caught green iguanas.
Proposed Final Rule – Florida Reef Gecko Listing and Guidelines. Staff will seek approval to add the Florida reef gecko to the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List. The final step of the state listing process requires Commission approval of a Species Action Plan, the updates to the Imperiled Species Management Plan to incorporate the gecko and the Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines, which would be incorporated into rule.
Consent Agenda (no public comment) Proposed Final Rule – Updates to References to the FWC Permit System. Staff seek approval to update references and links to the FWC Permit System that are currently in multiple places in rule, and to re-incorporate updated forms that also have links. This existing system is being replaced, and current links will become obsolete. The FWC Permit system is the online portal for issuing permits for gopher tortoises, marine turtles, migratory birds, scientific collecting for Threatened and Endangered species, and aquatic plant control.
We had a great time at the Scales Expo in West Palm October 18-19! Between the auction Saturday night and the photobooth, you helped raise over $10k to protect the freedoms of reptile keepers here in Florida!
During the past few years, USARK Florida has worked to protect the freedoms of reptile keepers in the state of Florida with our legal, lobbying, and advocacy efforts.
Through public engagement and communication with state officials, we have helped to prevent a Whitelist proposal, prevent additional Prohibited Species, defeat an Iguana ban bill, and got amendments to legislation which would have been detrimental to native venomous snakes.
USARK FL helped to fund and assist conservation efforts for native Florida reptiles and Florida's natural environment. We have pushed FWC to change Prohibited Species rules to allow removal of nonnative species from the wild. We have worked to rehome numerous animals (even large mammals) which otherwise might have been euthanized by FWC. We have coordinated with vets and scientists to create strategies to help manage the risk of disease and parasites. We have advocated on behalf of animal welfare and worked to help prevent escapes or releases of nonnative species.
We want to continue to expand our education and conservation efforts, while continuing to be a watchdog for your freedoms to keep and interact with reptiles and amphibians. We can only do this with your support!
Come to the photo booth all weekend Scales Expo where you can get pics with a variety of awesome animals! There may also be surprise visits by guest personalities. All proceeds will benefit USARK FL
We will also be holding an auction at the Scales Expo Saturday October 18, 2025 at 6pm.
During the past few years, USARK Florida has worked to protect the freedoms of reptile keepers in the state of Florida with our legal, lobbying, and advocacy efforts.
Through public engagement and communication with state officials, we have helped to prevent a Whitelist proposal, prevent additional Prohibited Species, defeat an Iguana ban bill, and got amendments to legislation which would have been detrimental to native venomous snakes.
USARK FL helped to fund and assist conservation efforts for native Florida reptiles and Florida's natural environment. We have pushed FWC to change Prohibited Species rules to allow removal of nonnative species from the wild. We have worked to rehome numerous animals (even large mammals) which otherwise might have been euthanized by FWC. We have coordinated with vets and scientists to create strategies to help manage the risk of disease and parasites. We have advocated on behalf of animal welfare and worked to help prevent escapes or releases of nonnative species.
We want to continue to expand our education and conservation efforts, while continuing to be a watchdog for your freedoms to keep and interact with reptiles and amphibians. We can only do this with your support!
USARK Florida
We are saddened to learn of the passing of renowned artist and reptile enthusiast Tell Hicks. Hicks was an inspiration to many who knew him and enjoyed his art. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Eileen and his entire family.
He was a founding member of the International Herpetological Society and became its President in 2009.
Russ Case interviewed Hicks for Reptiles Magazine in 2017:
reptilesmagazine.com/wildlife-artist-tell-hicks/?s…
5 days ago | [YT] | 22
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USARK Florida
Winter CrocFest 2025 is this Saturday, December 13th, at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. They are raising funds this time for Indian Gharial (Jeff Lang, PhD) and Gharial in Nepal (Phoebe Griffith, PhD).
CrocFest remains an entirely volunteer organization. Over the last 15 years, with your help they have raised over $1M for in situ crocodilian conservation projects around the world.
Thank you for your past support of CrocFest!
St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is located at 999 Anastasia Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080.
Event times are 12 Noon to 9 pm EST. Food will be served at 4 pm and Live Auction will begin at 6 pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
#crocfest #staugustinelife #staugustinealligatorfarm #gharial #india #crocodiles #crocodile #crocsofinstagram #alligator #alligators #usarkfl #reptiles #reptilesofinstagram
#herplife #reptilesandamphibians #lizards #lizardsofinstagram #snakes #snakesofinstagram #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #oneteamonefight #conservation
1 week ago | [YT] | 8
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USARK Florida
Great to see everyone at Orlando Repticon this weekend! Thanks so much to our awesome volunteers Nick, Kayla, and Stefanie of NKS Reptiles and Jordan and Chris of Green Swamp Exotics, who brought their beautiful Rhino Iguana, Pearl, for everyone to see at the USARK FL table.
Photo by Lisa Parker
Please join USARK FL by going to our website www.usarkfl.net to help protect your freedoms to keep reptiles.
#usarkfl #usarkflorida
#savefloridaspets #cyclura #rhinoiguana
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 19
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USARK Florida
The Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) is one of the most interesting native Florida turtles. It nests mainly in the winter time. The eggs likely undergo diapause, which means that the embryos don't actually start to develop until they are exposed to warmer spring temperatures.
Chicken turtles primarily inhabit ephemeral (temporary) wetlands. They may wander from pond to pond to find the type of shallow water habitat they prefer. They feed on crayfish and dragonfly larvae as well as other arthropods, amphibians, and fish. Chicken turtles have long necks that enable them to strike prey at a surprising distance. In dry times, Chicken turtles may burrow in the ground to estivate.
Photo of Florida chicken turtle from Levy County, FL by Daniel Parker
#floridachickenturtle #chickenturtle #deirochelys
#deirochelysreticularia #worldturtleday #conservation #wildlifeconservation #environment #saveflorida #floridawildlife #wildlife #animals #animalsofinstagram #usarkfl #reptiles #reptilesandamphibians #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #oneteamonefight #savetheturtles
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 18
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USARK Florida
Thanks so much to Dave and Julie of StarBorn Reptiles for donating this adorable baby Burmese brown tortoise for Saturday's auction.
Auction to benefit USARK FL
Saturday Nov 8, 2025 4pm
at Repticon Tampa
repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US-301
Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
1 month ago | [YT] | 13
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Thanks so much to Dave and Julie StarBorn Reptiles for donating this adorable baby Galapagos tortoise for Saturday's auction.
Auction to benefit USARK FL
Saturday Nov 8, 2025 4pm
at Repticon Tampa
repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US-301
Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
1 month ago | [YT] | 14
View 1 reply
USARK Florida
Happy Halloween from USARK FL!
Classic photo of Okeetee corn snake by Bill Love
Upcoming Events:
FWC Commission Meeting
Nov 5-6, 2025 8am-5pm
Palm Beach State College
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
1977 SW College Dr.
Belle Glade, FL 33430
myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/nov…
Watch live on thefloridachannel.org
Auction to benefit USARK FL
Saturday Nov 8, 2025 4pm
at Repticon Tampa @Repticon Official
repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US-301
Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
#savefloridaspets #oneteamonefight #reptilenation #fwc
1 month ago | [YT] | 15
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
The next FWC Commission Meeting will be Nov 5-6 in Belle Glade. Watch live on thefloridachannel.org.
View full agenda:
myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/nov…
Items of interest to reptile keepers include changes to Prohibited Species caging, Reef gecko listing/ban, and changes to the FWC online permitting system.
Once again, Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda has been cancelled.
Items of Interest:
Proposed Final Rule – Nonnative Prohibited Reptiles. Staff will present proposed changes to rules related to nonnative Prohibited reptiles. The proposed rules would provide alternative ways to construct outdoor enclosures for green iguanas used for exhibition or research, and for wild-caught green iguanas collected for sales. These changes would allow the use of dig barriers or closed-mesh wire for walls and floors to provide permittees with feasible and secure caging alternatives to current regulations. The proposed changes would also clarify requirements for transport of Prohibited reptiles, emergency preparedness plans, and develops rules related to collection and transport of wild-caught green iguanas.
Proposed Final Rule – Florida Reef Gecko Listing and Guidelines. Staff will seek approval to add the Florida reef gecko to the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List. The final step of the state listing process requires Commission approval of a Species Action Plan, the updates to the Imperiled Species Management Plan to incorporate the gecko and the Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines, which would be incorporated into rule.
Consent Agenda (no public comment)
Proposed Final Rule – Updates to References to the FWC Permit System. Staff seek approval to update references and links to the FWC Permit System that are currently in multiple places in rule, and to re-incorporate updated forms that also have links. This existing system is being replaced, and current links will become obsolete. The FWC Permit system is the online portal for issuing permits for gopher tortoises, marine turtles, migratory birds, scientific collecting for Threatened and Endangered species, and aquatic plant control.
#fwc
1 month ago | [YT] | 12
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
We had a great time at the Scales Expo in West Palm October 18-19! Between the auction Saturday night and the photobooth, you helped raise over $10k to protect the freedoms of reptile keepers here in Florida!
During the past few years, USARK Florida has worked to protect the freedoms of reptile keepers in the state of Florida with our legal, lobbying, and advocacy efforts.
Through public engagement and communication with state officials, we have helped to prevent a Whitelist proposal, prevent additional Prohibited Species, defeat an Iguana ban bill, and got amendments to legislation which would have been detrimental to native venomous snakes.
USARK FL helped to fund and assist conservation efforts for native Florida reptiles and Florida's natural environment. We have pushed FWC to change Prohibited Species rules to allow removal of nonnative species from the wild. We have worked to rehome numerous animals (even large mammals) which otherwise might have been euthanized by FWC. We have coordinated with vets and scientists to create strategies to help manage the risk of disease and parasites. We have advocated on behalf of animal welfare and worked to help prevent escapes or releases of nonnative species.
We want to continue to expand our education and conservation efforts, while continuing to be a watchdog for your freedoms to keep and interact with reptiles and amphibians. We can only do this with your support!
#scales #scalesexpo #savefloridaspets #iguana #tegu #monitorlizard #varanus #python #reptiles #reptilenation #snakes #snakesofinstagram
#lizards #lizardsofinstagram #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #pets #herplife #birds #aquaculture #fishkeeper #iguanas #tegus #pythons #zoos
1 month ago | [YT] | 8
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Come to the photo booth all weekend Scales Expo where you can get pics with a variety of awesome animals! There may also be surprise visits by guest personalities. All proceeds will benefit USARK FL
We will also be holding an auction at the Scales Expo Saturday October 18, 2025 at 6pm.
During the past few years, USARK Florida has worked to protect the freedoms of reptile keepers in the state of Florida with our legal, lobbying, and advocacy efforts.
Through public engagement and communication with state officials, we have helped to prevent a Whitelist proposal, prevent additional Prohibited Species, defeat an Iguana ban bill, and got amendments to legislation which would have been detrimental to native venomous snakes.
USARK FL helped to fund and assist conservation efforts for native Florida reptiles and Florida's natural environment. We have pushed FWC to change Prohibited Species rules to allow removal of nonnative species from the wild. We have worked to rehome numerous animals (even large mammals) which otherwise might have been euthanized by FWC. We have coordinated with vets and scientists to create strategies to help manage the risk of disease and parasites. We have advocated on behalf of animal welfare and worked to help prevent escapes or releases of nonnative species.
We want to continue to expand our education and conservation efforts, while continuing to be a watchdog for your freedoms to keep and interact with reptiles and amphibians. We can only do this with your support!
#scales #scalesexpo #savefloridaspets #iguana #tegu #monitorlizard #varanus #python #reptiles #reptilenation #snakes #snakesofinstagram
#lizards #lizardsofinstagram #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #pets #herplife #birds #aquaculture #fishkeeper #iguanas #tegus #pythons #zoos
1 month ago | [YT] | 8
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