Forest Animal Rescue

11/27/2025

Thankful for all of the people helping to protect wild spaces

11/11/2025

Honoring our Veterans today

10/02/2025

RIP Jane Goodall - Jane started this work. But the rest is up to us.

https://janegoodall.org/

09/28/2025

A 31-pound python swallowed a 35-pound deer.

Scientists in Florida have removed more than 20 tons of Burmese pythons from the Everglades since 2013. That’s over 42,000 pounds of apex predator, and likely many times that in native wildlife saved.

The snakes, native to Southeast Asia, have taken hold in Florida’s ecosystem, preying on everything from rabbits to deer to alligators. Some have even eaten prey larger than themselves. In one documented case, an 11-foot female python weighing 31.5 pounds consumed a 35-pound white-tailed deer fawn.

To fight back, researchers have turned to a surprising strategy: using pythons to hunt pythons. Every breeding season, they implant tracking devices in male “scout snakes” and release them into the wild. These males naturally seek out females – and scientists follow the signals straight to large breeding piles, sometimes finding multiple males coiled around a single female.

The program began with just four scout snakes. One of them, named Luther, has been leading researchers to breeding females for over a decade – the longest continuously tracked python in the world.

So far, this method has prevented more than 20,000 python eggs from hatching, helping protect countless native animals. Lab analysis of stomach contents has revealed remains from over 85 different native species, showing just how wide-ranging the damage can be.

In some regions, researchers are finally starting to see fewer large females and smaller snakes overall – signs that local suppression may be working.

But it’s still an uphill battle. “We love snakes,” says project lead Ian Bartoszek. “We just love Florida’s native wildlife more.”

Learn more:
“The 20-Ton Python Purge.” The Wildlife Society, 7 Aug. 2025.

📸Credit: Ian Bartoszek/Conservancy of Southwest Florida

09/18/2025

We didn’t have a voice at the meetings. Maybe this will show the politicians how we really feel. Save as many bears as we can!

A creative solution to limiting the number of bears killed in the state’s newly approved bear hunt

09/18/2025

We need to LEARN from our mistakes, not sit by and watch them happen again…

09/17/2025

YOU DID IT! With your help, we exceeded our $9,500 goal and raised $9,760 to help animals in need.

Our fundraiser was a success. We couldn't have done it without YOU!

THANK YOU!

09/17/2025

We only have $1,410 left to raise to hit our goal, but we need to do it before 7pm tonight! Will you help?

There are still some matches and prizes left to help multiply our impact - Just click here and help spread the word!
https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/forest-animal-rescue

09/17/2025

What a fantastic start to our Give4Marion event! We are already at 83% of our goal! Will you help us finish strong?

There are several more matches and prizes left to go today - TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS! If you can't donate, you can still share...Thank you!
https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/forest-animal-rescue

09/16/2025

WOW - We are already at 74% of our goal! Great job! There are still funds left in our private 2:1 match and more matching moments today!

Lets keep the momentum going - SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!!
https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/forest-animal-rescue

09/16/2025

Today's the day! If you act quickly, any gift will be DOUBLE matched! If your donation is timed properly, it can be matched AGAIN!
Learn more here: https://www.give4marion.org/organizations/forest-animal-rescue
Please share!

09/14/2025

It’s time to show that Ocala/Marion is full of generosity! On September 16-17th, help us celebrate !
We’re getting pumped for Give4Marion! Join the conversation by following and liking the page on FB!
Here’s the link to our page when the time comes!