Carolyn M. Sekerak

Conflicts between humans and bears have escalated in central Florida over the past 5 years. The scope and magnitude of these conflicts extend beyond the responsibilities and capabilities of any 1 agency; therefore, handling these problems requires cooperation among multiple agencies and organizations. We used partnerships to accomplish the following large-scale efforts: 1) a study of movements, habitat use, and population dynamics of bears relative to a highway; 2) creation and implementation of an annual bear festival; 3) creation and distribution of, and training for, an educator's...

Management of the flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum), a species in decline throughout its range, is hindered by a lack of information on the habitat requirements of the species. Because Ambystomatids are generally philopatric, preservation of quality natal habitat is important for long-term population health and stability. Conservation of breeding sites in managed landscapes is impeded by insufficient knowledge of the habitat components required for successful larval development. We sampled 10 ponds known to be breeding sites of flatwoods salamanders in the winters of 1992 and...