Pets/Wildlife

Lilo is a 5-year-old Siamese mix. She was found on the side of a road in Tampa at 2 weeks old, and had to be bottle fed every few hours. Lilo spends her days trying to catch frogs in the lake, catching lizards (just to bring them inside and letting them go, creating lizard-catching games for the owners), and sleeping with her dirty paws on her owner’s pillows. Lilo’s favorite companion is the family dog who somewhat tolerates this notion. Lilo’s proud owner is Victoria Germuska, of Land O’ Lakes.

As Lillian Cucuzza was pulling into her driveway in Land O’ Lakes one afternoon, she saw a shadow pass over. Above her were two swallow-tailed kites flying very low over her neighbor’s house. This bird of prey, with its deeply forked tail, is sometimes called ‘the coolest bird on the planet’ (AllAboutBirds.com). Kites glide and soar through the air on thermals and updrafts. They feed on insects by capturing them with their feet in flight and then eat them ‘on the fly.’

Sagan is shown here with his best friend, Oscar. Sagan is a rescue and likes to take walks on his leash. He protects the pool cage from frogs and lizards, and loves to have his belly rubbed. Sagan gives cuddles and kisses, wrestles, and carries his buddy Oscar around the house. His proud owners are Sheri and John Thrasher, of Wesley Chapel.

On her way to work, Marybeth Gandiosi stopped to watch this bald eagle that was eager to eat a dead armadillo in the parking lot area of Watergrass, in Wesley Chapel. The eagle didn’t budge, even as Gandiosi hung out the car window to snap a few pictures.

Bonzo is a 1-year-old English Springer Spaniel that loves the beach, running in the yard, playing ball, eating whipped cream, and lounging on the couch. He sneaks on the bed whenever he gets the chance. Bonzo loves to cuddle and is spoiled rotten by his family. Don’t let those sad eyes fool you — he is one happy pup! Bonzo lives in Land O’ Lakes with the Burke family: Kara, Brian, Brandon and Foster.

Kim MacMartin, of Lutz, noticed monarch caterpillars munching on some potted milkweed in her backyard. Monarchs cannot survive without the plant; their caterpillars only eat milkweed plants and monarch butterflies need milkweed to lay eggs.

Lady is a rescued 8-year-old yellow Labrador. She spends her days napping and begging for treats, and enjoys being petted. Lady loves all her neighbors, and they all love her in return. She lives in Wesley Chapel with her mom, Lindsey Paris.

Allen Craley, of Land O’ Lakes, took this photo of a red-shouldered hawk in his front yard. This particular hawk is a familiar sight to residents of Sable Ridge and, as luck would have it, it decided to strike a regal pose for the camera. A red-shouldered hawk is typically a sign of tall woods and water nearby.

Shealina (Shea) was adopted from Pasco County Animal Services in February, and will celebrate her first birthday on July 19. She is a lovable, sweet cat. Shealina likes to play on her cat tree, also known as her ‘petting tree.’ She loves to hang upside down and be petted on her neck and stomach. Shealina gives her owner, Nicole Magazu of Land O’ Lakes, much love and joy.

Marisol Fontanez snapped this brilliant cardinal in her front yard in Dade City. The cardinal is the official state bird of no fewer than seven eastern states. They are also known as cardinal-grosbeaks and cardinal-buntings. Note: Florida’s state bird is the common mockingbird.