Nature Coast

Around the bay

By RODNEY PAGE, Times Staff Writer
Published November 24, 2007

Turkey hangover? Take a hike

Saturday morning might be a good time to walk off Thanksgiving dinner and Friday's leftovers. There will be a loop hike at Chinsegut Park (U.S. 41 and C.R. 481) in Brooksville on Saturday at 9 a.m. The hike, sponsored by the Hernando Audubon Society, is free. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars and insect repellent. For information, call (352) 754-9436.

That's one huuuuge squirrel

Two homeowners in Baker County were sure they had spotted Big Foot, the elusive, perhaps fictional, ape-like creature that lives in forests. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would like to put an end to that rumor. The FWC believes it knows what has been hanging around in the trees of Baker County, which is near Jacksonville on the Florida/Georgia border. The FWC says it is likely an orange phase fox squirrel. It is the largest species of squirrel, growing to about 2 feet tall, and hangs out in trees and feeds mostly at night. When it moves on its two hind legs it resembles a juvenile ape or orangutan. The FWC set a trap, but it remains empty.

Mark your calendar

Just a few hunting season reminders. The six-day antlerless deer season ended Friday in the Central Zone. It opens Dec. 15-21 in the Northwest Zone. For a map of Florida hunting zones, go to www.myfwc.com.

Also, general gun season remains open until Jan. 20 and the fall turkey season is open until Jan. 6 in the Central Zone.

Compiled by Times staff writer Rodney Page.

[Last modified November 23, 2007, 20:23:59]