florida fish

30 media by topicpage 1 of 1
Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway - Florida Black Bear in the Ocala National Forest

Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway - Florida Black Bear in the Ocala Nati...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: An inquisitive Florida black bear has triggered a remote camera set by biologists. The bear is in the sand pine scrub of the Ocala Natio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Dr. Grant Gilmore, Dynamac Corp., utilizes a laptop computer to explain aspects of the underwater acoustic research under way in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Grant Gilmore, Dynamac Corp., utili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Grant Gilmore, Dynamac Corp., utilizes a laptop computer to explain aspects of the underwater acoustic research under way in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several governm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members roll out acoustic cable to the water's edge during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members roll out acoustic...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members roll out acoustic cable to the water's edge during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government agen... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Dr. Grant Gilmore (left), Dynamac Corp., talks to another member of the research team conducting underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Grant Gilmore (left), Dynamac Corp....

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Grant Gilmore (left), Dynamac Corp., talks to another member of the research team conducting underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several governm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members work with acoustic cable during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members work with acousti...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members work with acoustic cable during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government agencies, including NAS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members work with acoustic cable during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members work with acousti...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members work with acoustic cable during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government agencies, including NAS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Joe Bartoszek, NASA, is a member of the research team conducting underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin near Launch Pad 39A.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Joe Bartoszek, NASA, is a member of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Joe Bartoszek, NASA, is a member of the research team conducting underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin near Launch Pad 39A. Several government agencies... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Researchers utilize several types of watercraft to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin near Launch Pad 39A.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers utilize several types of wa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers utilize several types of watercraft to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin near Launch Pad 39A. Several government agencies, incl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Researchers conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers conduct underwater acoustic...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florid... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Justin Manley, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is a member of the research team conducting underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin near Launch Pad 39A.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Justin Manley, of the National Oceanic ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Justin Manley, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is a member of the research team conducting underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Researchers utilize several types of watercraft to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers utilize several types of wa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers utilize several types of watercraft to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members roll out acoustic cable to the water's edge as others stand by in a watercraft during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members roll out acoustic...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members roll out acoustic cable to the water's edge as others stand by in a watercraft during underwater acoustic research being conducted in the Launch Complex 39 t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  A research team member aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin lifts some of the project's equipment from the water.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A research team member aboard one of th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A research team member aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin lifts some of the project's equipmen... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Researchers are positioned on one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers are positioned on one of th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers are positioned on one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government agencies, inclu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  A research team member aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin releases some of the project's equipment into the water.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A research team member aboard one of th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A research team member aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin releases some of the project's equip... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin prepare to release some of the project's equipment into the water.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin prepare to release some of the projec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin monitor some of the project's equipment just released into the water.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin monitor some of the project's equipme... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin secure some of the project's equipment back into the vessel.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin secure some of the project's equipmen... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin retrieve some of the project's equipment from the water.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin retrieve some of the project's equipm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members take their places on one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members take their places...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members take their places on one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government ag... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  A research team member aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin prepares some of the project's equipment for placement in the water.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A research team member aboard one of th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A research team member aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin prepares some of the project's equip... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin release some of the project's equipment into the water.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Research team members aboard one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin release some of the project's equipme... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  Researchers are positioned on one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin.  Several government agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are involved in the testing. The research involves demonstrations of passive and active sensor technologies, with applications in fields ranging from marine biological research to homeland security. The work is also serving as a pilot project to assess the cooperation between the agencies involved. Equipment under development includes a passive acoustic monitor developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and mobile robotic sensors from the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers are positioned on one of th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Researchers are positioned on one of the watercraft being utilized to conduct underwater acoustic research in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. Several government agencies, inclu... More

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Special Operations Group leader LT. Mike Edwards (right) thanks Florida Army National Guard SGT. Peter Vandoo, UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) Crew CHIEF, 1ST Battalion - 171st Aviation, after the crew took the Special Ops Group for an aerial survey of the Pensacola area to determine best placement of law enforcement stations.  The FFWC's Special Ops group is specially trained to operate in areas where there is no infrastructure. (U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF Sergeant Shelley Gill) (Released)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Special Operations...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: SSGT Shelley Gill, USAF Release Status: Rele... More

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Special Operations Group leader LT. Mike Edwards (right) plans a flight path with Florida Army National Guard CHIEF Warrant Officer Jim Gurr, UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, 1ST Battalion - 171st Aviation.  The crew will take the Special Ops Group for an aerial survey of the Pensacola area to determine placement of law enforcement stations to protect against looting from land and water. (U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF Sergeant Shelley Gill) (Released)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Special Operations...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IVAN Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: SSG... More

U.S. Coast Guard Pett Officer 2nd Class Gaines Huneycutt pilots his rescue boat, as he and his crew sail alongside a Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission State Law Enforcement boat, while enforcing a one-mile safety zone around several U.S. Navy vessels in the far background on May 17, 2006. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Public Affairs SPECIALIST 1ST Class Kyle Niemi) (Released)

U.S. Coast Guard Pett Officer 2nd Class Gaines Huneycutt pilots his re...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Camera Operator: PA1 Kyle Niemi, Uscg Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  A gopher tortoise searches for food at the edge of a road near Launch Pad 39A.  Their primary food sources are low-growing grasses and herbs, with their favorite foods being gopher apple and saw palmetto berries. They will eat the pads, fruits, and flowers of prickly pear cactus as well.  They will occasionally also eat bones from dead animals, presumably to get calcium. The gopher tortoise is a cold-blooded reptile that averages 10 inches in length and 9 pounds in weight.  Wild tortoises may live from 40 - 60 years, while tortoises in captivity can live more than 100 years. Their range extends from southeastern Louisiana to southeastern South Carolina and throughout all 67 counties in Florida. The gopher tortoise is federally protected as a threatened species except in Florida, where it is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Lands surrounding the Kennedy Space Center are part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.  Approximately one half of the Refuge's 140,000 acres consists of brackish estuaries and marshes. The remaining lands consist of coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks.  Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1857

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A gopher tortoise searches for food at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A gopher tortoise searches for food at the edge of a road near Launch Pad 39A. Their primary food sources are low-growing grasses and herbs, with their favorite foods being gophe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  A gopher tortoise searches for food at the edge of a road near Launch Pad 39A. Their primary food sources are low-growing grasses and herbs, with their favorite foods being gopher apple and saw palmetto berries. They will eat the pads, fruits, and flowers of prickly pear cactus as well. They will occasionally also eat bones from dead animals, presumably to get calcium. The gopher tortoise is a cold-blooded reptile that averages 10 inches in length and 9 pounds in weight. Wild tortoises may live from 40 - 60 years, while tortoises in captivity can live more than 100 years. Their range extends from southeastern Louisiana to southeastern South Carolina and throughout all 67 counties in Florida. The gopher tortoise is federally protected as a threatened species except in Florida, where it is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Lands surrounding the Kennedy Space Center are part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Approximately one half of the Refuge's 140,000 acres consists of brackish estuaries and marshes. The remaining lands consist of coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1855

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A gopher tortoise searches for food at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A gopher tortoise searches for food at the edge of a road near Launch Pad 39A. Their primary food sources are low-growing grasses and herbs, with their favorite foods being gopher... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  A gopher tortoise searches for food at the edge of a road near Launch Pad 39A.  Their primary food sources are low-growing grasses and herbs, with their favorite foods being gopher apple and saw palmetto berries. They will eat the pads, fruits, and flowers of prickly pear cactus as well.  They will occasionally also eat bones from dead animals, presumably to get calcium. The gopher tortoise is a cold-blooded reptile that averages 10 inches in length and 9 pounds in weight.  Wild tortoises may live from 40 - 60 years, while tortoises in captivity can live more than 100 years. Their range extends from southeastern Louisiana to southeastern South Carolina and throughout all 67 counties in Florida. The gopher tortoise is federally protected as a threatened species except in Florida, where it is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Lands surrounding the Kennedy Space Center are part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.  Approximately one half of the Refuge's 140,000 acres consists of brackish estuaries and marshes. The remaining lands consist of coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks.  Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1856

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A gopher tortoise searches for food at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A gopher tortoise searches for food at the edge of a road near Launch Pad 39A. Their primary food sources are low-growing grasses and herbs, with their favorite foods being gophe... More

Patricia Alquiza - Biscayne National Park

Patricia Alquiza - Biscayne National Park

I am studying Environmental Sciences and Spanish with a minor in Sustainability at the University of Notre Dame, where I will be a senior in the fall of 2019. I am from McKinney, Texas and enjoy being outside (... More