AQUATIC EDUCATION CORNER Wildlife Why does my pond smell? Why is our pond green and scummy looking? What you see is probably algae. Excess nutrients in the water combined with warm, sunny weather causes algae to grow rapidly. This can often lead to excessive algal growth, commonly referred to as an algae bloom. Is algae bad for the pond? Many creatures in the pond use algae as food. Algae is natural and does help break down the nutrients in the pond, however, too much algae may cause problems. Plants need sunlight to grow. When algae covers the surface of the pond, it reduces the amount of light that can get to other plants living in the water or on the bottom of the pond. This can prevent many native plants from growing and reduce the viability of the pond ecosystem. WILDLIFE ALERT - WATCH FOR ALL IGATORS Now that the weather has warmed up, coldblooded reptiles such as alligators can be more active. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents to be cautious when having fun in and around water. The FWC recommends keeping pets away from the water. For residents who have concerns with an alligator that poses a threat to humans, pets or property, call the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866.FWC.GATOR (392-4286). Alligators and crocodiles are an important part of Florida's heritage and play a valuable role in the ecosystems where they live. Remember, it is illegal to feed or harass alligators. If you see an alligator: • Always give these reptiles a respectful distance — at least 10 feet — and always leave them alone. • Alligators are nocturnal animals, more active during the night. After dark, avoid fresh and Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The Sandhill Crane, the original yearround resident of Lake Ashton, is a species that one cannot overlook. Because the Cranes in Central Florida are non-migratory, residents can enjoy their life cycle. It begins with elaborate courtship displays involving spreading of wings, leaps and loud rattles. Things quiet down when the nest mound is built, usually in a marshy area and two eggs (typically) are laid and incubated by both parents for about a month. Since colts (baby cranes) are precocious, they parade after their parents the day after hatching. The parents feed them a diet of insects and aquatic plants, supplemented with yummy delicacies such as rodents, snails, frogs, lizards and snakes. Feeding Sandhill Cranes is against the law, gives them rickets (causing drooping bills and deformed legs) and makes them aggressive. It's best to just observe their life cycle from a distance, and not interfere. brackish bodies of water, though alligators sometimes lurk in salt water. Unprovoked bites will often occur at the edge of the water. • Never feed alligators; it encourages them to lose their natural fear of people. • Small animals, like pets, and small children are generally more at risk than large adults. • Female alligators protect their nests by hissing and opening their mouths; this does not mean they are preparing to attack. • Alligators under four feet in length are not considered a threat to humans.
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