FL Animal Tales: Gator Mating Season, K-9 Cops And Horse Retire

FLORIDA — In case you missed them, here are some of Florida Patch's best animal and pet stories from recent weeks.

Watch: Large Gators 'Wrestle' In Lakewood Ranch Backyard

The FL Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission said alligator courtship begins in April in Florida, and mating takes place in May and June.

Zoo Miami Helps Discover A Brand New Spider Species In Miami

The Pine Rockland Trapdoor Spider (Ummidia richmond) was first found by a zookeeper who was checking reptile research traps in 2012.

Fort Lauderdale Police Horse Hangs Up His Saddle After 10 Years On The Job

"Eli gets to go to what I call Disneyland for horses," said partner Officer Kara Kuras from the Fort Lauderdale Police Mounted Patrol.

Homestead Girl With Brain Cancer Gets Furever Companion Thanks To Make-A-Wish

Rain and her family also received gifts from Puppyspot and Make-A-Wish that will help the newest wish kid care for the puppy.

Sheriff's Corporal, Faithful K-9 Chris Hang Up Their Flak Jackets

Watch as Cpl. Joe Liddick makes his last call after 21 years as a member of the sheriff's K-9 team.

'Undersized Dog With Oversized Heart': Miami Beach PD K9 Rocky Retires After Years Of Loyal Service

The police department says Rocky worked hard for our community, apprehending dangerous criminals, and conducting countless bomb sweeps.

2 People, Dog Shot By Man Who Got Into Gun Battle With Officers In Hialeah Gardens

Some of the incident was caught on surveillance camera.

Ludwig The Sea Turtle Has New Lease On Life Thanks To Aquarium

After spending a month at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Ludwig the green sea turtle is back in the swim of things in his home surf.

Miami Proud: Special Puppy Needs Extra TLC And Forever Home

Seeing him wagging his tail enthusiastically, playing and hopping around, he's a happy boy despite being born without his front legs.

Who Let The Dogs Out? Sarasota Police Seek Humane Society Suspect

Police are looking for a suspect who trespassed at the Humane Society of Sarasota County March 24 and opened all the dog kennels.

Rescuers Reunite 5 Ducklings Stuck In Storm Drain With Mother

While the flustered mother duck looked on, rescuers removed the grate to the storm drain and gently scooped the ducklings into a bucket.

Dog Found At Crime Scene, Lakeland Police Looking For Its Owner

Lakeland police officers want to reunite a dog they found at a crime scene Saturday with its owner.

Mating Season Means More Alligators Venturing Among People: Video

Floridians have already had several close encounters with alligators this spring, which is mating season for the reptiles.

Dog Hit By Truck Monday Night Euthanized; Police Seek Owner

Sarasota police believe the dog had a litter of puppies before being struck by a pick-up truck in the 1900 block of Central Avenue.