It's a wild world in Gulf Breeze

Photo courtesy of Linda Bills Shirley Left: This unfortunate octopus is said to have washed up behind Charlie Bassett's home on Bay Cliffs Circle. Glenn Butts, and environmental specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said octopi are more common in Pensacola Bay near Pensacola Pass. "They like high salinity," Butts said. Photo courtesy of Jack Green Above: Eufaula Street resident Jack Green said he spotted two swans throughout Santa Rosa Sound in November and grabbed his camera. The same pair have been spotted elsewhere in the area. Photo courtesy of Linda Bills Shirley Right: Recently, residents of the Gulf Breeze/Pensacola Beach area have been surprised to see a pair of swans appearing at various sites. Many have wondered if this normal-to see such animals living in the area. Lucy Duncan, a member of the Francis Weston Audubon Society explains, "I have received calls about those swans for over year, and I can tell you that they are not native to this area," Duncan said. "In fact, there are no swans that naturally occur in Northwest Florida. These two are mute swans, and someone in the area has raised them domestically and has been unable to keep them contained." Residents should know that there is a valid explanation as to why there are here. If you are interested in learning more about the indigenous birds of Northwest Florida, visit the Francis Weston Audubon Society's website at www.fmwaudubon.org.