The earliest fossil of the sandhill crane, estimated at 2.5 million years old, was dug up in Florida in the Macasphalt Shell Pit. Ginny Beagan Ginny Beagan, TCPALM Starting Monday, it will be against the law to feed bears, raccoons, foxes and sandhill cranes in Florida, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. So, please remember not to feed the sandhill cranes if you are lucky enough to find a nest or family and use caution when approaching them. Sandhill cranes are protected in Florida The Sandhill Crane is protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and is a state-designated threatened species. Cranes can become quite aggressive with humans due to feeding which has led to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission making it illegal to feed them. Sandhill Crane hunters in the Central Flyway need to be particularly cautious about the presence of Whooping Cranes during Sandhill Crane hunting seasons. Sandhill cranes, a legal game bird, are not endangered, and a short hunting season is allowed in some areas of Texas. There is definitely a law against feeding sandhill cranes: Since 2002, it has been illegal to intentionally feed sandhill cranes per Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001(6). Lawmakers now want to change the penalties for feeding wildlife after an incident where Longwood residents were feeding black … People who are caught feeding these birds and other animals can face steep fines and jail time. If experiencing Florida’s wildlife is what you are looking for, an Orlando Airboat Tour can do that while respecting nature’s laws. For lots of reasons why it is a bad idea to feed them, see the FWC web page on sandhill cranes in Florida. FEEDING In 2002, Florida lawmakers made it a second-degree misdemeanor to feed sandhill cranes, raccoons, bears and foxes, punishable by a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. But Lake Bardwell is in an area closed to sandhill crane … Cranes depend on wind and warm air currents for attaining the right height and length of their flight. Feeding wildlife on that next trip to the state park or other natural areas in Florida could end up costing you. Some crane species may travel as far as 500 miles (804 km) a day when seeking food. The penalty for the unlawful take of an endangered species is a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail. Along similar lines - it is also illegal to feed Black Bears, Racoons, Foxes and Sandhill Cranes - Florida Statute 68A-4.001 makes it a misdemeanor for feeding of these animals. Florida sandhill crane is a bit smaller than some of its migratory relatives and can reach a height of 47 inches (120 cm). About 5,000 birds live in Florida permanently and can be watched year-round. Their wingspan is about 79 inches (200 cm). 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