Pets/Wildlife

Tom Hammen, of Dade City, snapped this photo of a black-bellied whistling duck that appears to seek shelter from the heat in a tree at Zephyr Park. On the other hand, whistling ducks were formerly known as tree ducks, and a few, such as the black-bellied waterfowl, actually nest in trees.

Zeus, a Maine coon, who weighs about 20 pounds, has been with John Cuevas and Christine Inge for six years. Zeus’ new best friend is Cheeto, a 4-month-old feral cat found living outside at a trailer park. Cheeto at first was very afraid of people and also of Zeus. But Cheeto has acclimated wonderfully and trusts the members of his family. These two feline friends live with their parents in Land O’ Lakes.

Bonnie Caston, of Zephyrhills, enjoys watching a pair of roseate spoonbills that she sees daily in her backyard. Spoonbills forage, roost and nest in groups often with other ibises, herons and egrets.

Rowdy is a 15-year-old mini dachshund. Rowdy was eight weeks old, when his owner, Nicki D’Souza, adopted him. Rowdy likes playing with his squeaker toys and taking walks around the neighborhood, and now that he is a senior, he enjoys lots of naps. Rowdy lives in Land O’ Lakes with D’Souza and has been a loyal companion through life’s many ups and downs.

Jack Olson, of Dade City, snapped this shot of a sandhill crane and its two youngsters in his backyard. Olson said his wife likes to feed the birds and squirrels at their home on the northeast shore of Lake Iola.

Ten-year-old Precious, a Lab-Border Collie mix, is absolutely crazy about water! Although she is reaching her golden dog years, she is still a playful puppy at heart. Precious lives with her proud owner, Kathleen Brunet, in Land O’ Lakes.

Donna Church snapped this photo of a wood stork at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills. Wood storks forage mainly by wading in shallow water and can locate prey (mostly fish) by touch or sight. Wood storks are on the endangered species list, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in February proposed removing the bird from that list because it has recovered.

John Oddo, of San Antonio, captured these incredible photos of a bald eagle at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club. These regal birds of prey measure 30 inches to 40 inches from head to tail, with a 7-foot  to 8-foot wingspan, and weigh from 8 pounds to 14 pounds. The distinctive white head and tail feathers appear when the eagles mature at 4 or 5 years old. Bald eagles are believed to live 30 years or longer in the wild.

Don Keeley and his pet skunk, Tazer, live in Zephyrhills and they both love the U.S.A.! Pet skunks can be trained to sleep during the night and be active during the day. When not sleeping, skunks need lots of love and attention.