FWC to host free workshop in Venus to help livestock owners prevent and reduce conflicts with wildlife

Florida – Livestock owners in Florida will have an opportunity to learn practical ways to deal with wildlife encounters during an upcoming workshop hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Archbold Biological Station.

The “Living with Wildlife” workshop is scheduled for October 13 from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Archbold Biological Station, located at 123 Main Dr. in Venus. The event is designed for both commercial livestock producers and people who keep animals on hobby farms.

Wildlife can sometimes create challenges for people raising livestock, particularly when wild animals come into areas where domestic animals are kept. The workshop will focus on ways livestock owners can prevent or reduce those conflicts and protect their animals.

The event is free and open to the public. While registration is encouraged, it is not required for those who want to attend. People interested in participating can register online before the workshop.

Throughout the day, speakers will discuss practical tools and strategies that can be used to reduce the effects of wildlife on livestock. The information will be relevant not only to large commercial operations but also to owners of hobby farm animals.

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The workshop will also provide information about resources available to livestock producers. Participants will be able to learn about technical assistance and compensation programs that may be available when wildlife-related problems affect livestock operations.

Organizers say the event is also intended to give attendees a chance to speak directly with professionals who work with wildlife. Partner organizations will have staff at the workshop throughout the day, allowing livestock owners to ask questions and discuss concerns related to wildlife.

That direct contact could be particularly useful for people dealing with wildlife issues on their properties and looking for information about available assistance. Rather than simply receiving information through presentations, participants will have opportunities to connect with organizations that provide wildlife-related services and support.

An optional afternoon buggy tour at Buck Island Ranch is also planned as part of the event. The tour will have limited capacity, so interested participants may need to register early if they want to take part.

The FWC and Archbold Biological Station are organizing the workshop as part of broader efforts to help Floridians live and work alongside wildlife while reducing problems that can affect livestock.

For livestock owners, understanding how wildlife behaves and learning about available prevention methods can be an important part of managing animals and property. The workshop will bring together wildlife professionals and livestock owners in one location to discuss those challenges and possible solutions.

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Additional information about reducing conflicts between people, livestock and wildlife is available through the FWC’s Living with Wildlife resources.

Those interested in attending the October 13 workshop can find more information and register through the event’s online registration page. The workshop will remain free to participants, and registration is encouraged even though it is not required.

For more information on reducing conflicts with wildlife visit MyFWC.com/LivingWithWildlife.