Pets/Wildlife

Lulu is a charcoal Shih-Poo, with a knack for making friends. If you meet Lulu and you rub her belly, she will remember you forever. She also is a bit of a tracker when she puts her head to the ground to seek out family and friends. It’s impossible to hide from Lulu! Besides traveling well, Lulu is a very loving and personable companion. She’s always ready to play and to make herself at home anywhere. Lulu resides with her mom and dad, Tim and Rita Koral, in Wesley Chapel.

Betsy Crisp, of Land O’ Lakes, said she usually sees pileated woodpeckers on the dead trees around Treasure Lake when she walks her dogs. But this time, her home security camera doubled as a wildlife camera and she spied a red-bellied woodpecker in the backyard. These woodpeckers usually can be found in woodlands, but often venture from the forest to appear at backyard feeders.

Snickerdoodle is a 9-month-old Holland lop bunny. He likes to go for walks in his stroller and visit with his bunny neighbors, Reeses and S’mores. Snickerdoodle likes to eat celery and bananas, and likes chewing on his wood toys and relaxing under the Christmas tree. Snickerdoodle resides with Amy Neumann and her daughter, Hannah, in Wesley Chapel.

Kurtis Sprung, of Zephyrhills, caught this alligator sunning itself along the Hillsborough River. To warm up, alligators bask in the sun, which is when they are frequently observed on the banks of water bodies. On hot summer days, they can sometimes be seen basking with their mouths open, which is a cooling mechanism equivalent to a dog panting.

Adopted from the animal shelter, August is adorable and possibly a pit-boxer mix. He loves to play fetch and chew on his toys. August’s favorite treats are ice cubes and carrots. In the evening, he likes to go for long walks and cuddle on the couch afterward. August loves most other dogs and lives with Sara Porter in Wesley Chapel.

Ziggy is a cute, spunky 5-year-old Cavachon that loves chasing lizards, going on walks, and snuggling with his family. Cavachons are medium-sized, playful, generally happy, fun family dogs that love companionship. Ziggy came from Atlanta, Georgia, to stay with the Mercado family, temporarily, in January, and due to COVID-19, has been living with them for almost a year. The Mercados enjoy Ziggy’s company and have come to love him very much in such a short time. Ziggy lives with Stormy, John, Colby, Clayton and Cameron Mercado in Wesley Chapel.

Karen Whitenton, of Lutz, found this brown thrasher hanging around her yard for about a month, foraging for food and flipping bark mulch chips in the flower beds. The thrasher is about the size of a robin and known to be an exuberant singer.