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UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

Critter Column

Farewell to Howard the Duck

Farewell to Howard the Duck

Nathan Turoff, Features Editor Jan 15, 2021

 As an avid Howard fan, and the former Critter Columnist, writing this is easily the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever had to write about. I had been putting it off for months, keeping optimistic that...

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A white duck that looks like Howard the Duck.

Howard’s whereabouts remain unknown

Mariana Mejia and Nathan Turoff Sep 3, 2020

In recent weeks, UNF’s only white duck has gone missing, and many of Howard’s fans are worried. While some white feathers have been found around Candy Cane Lake that may match Howard's, no other sign...

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BREAKING: Howard the duck confirmed missing

BREAKING: Howard the duck confirmed missing

Nathan Turoff, Government Reporter Aug 20, 2020

UNF’s beloved waterfowl, Howard the Duck, is missing. Howard has not been spotted on campus in a while, leading to much concern among the UNF community as to his well-being. Howard is an icon...

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Bubonic Plague making a comeback?

Nathan Turoff, Critter Column Jul 21, 2020

Just when you thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, a squirrel tests positive for the Bubonic plague. For those of you unfamiliar with the Bubonic plague, it is a bacterial plague that is spread mainly...

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Pangolins: The cause of coronavirus?

Nathan Turoff, Critter Column Jun 19, 2020

Pangolins - That might not be a term familiar with the average person, and it didn't resonate with many of the staff here at Spinnaker. Pangolins are a key link in the initial transition of COVID-19, but...

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Photo credit Nathan Turoff.

Lockdown and the environment

Nathan Turoff, Critter Columnist May 1, 2020

During this COVID-19 pandemic, through a combination of lockdown orders, social distancing, and general common sense, humanity has gone through unprecedented and unparalleled changes in how we live our...

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The Tree of The White Ibis

The Tree of The White Ibis

Nathan Turoff, Critter Columnist Feb 21, 2020

Candy Cane lake is home to many creatures and their environments. One of the lake's most truly bizarre sights, is the Tree of the White Ibis. The American White Ibis is a very unusual animal. The...

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Howard the Duck is surrounded by three mottled ducks. What will he do next? Photo credit Nathan Turoff.

Howard the Duck attacked on Candy Cane Lake

Nathan Turoff, Critter Columnist Dec 12, 2019

In the recent weeks since Thanksgiving break, UNF’s very own Howard the Duck, the traditionally sole waterfowl resident of Candy Cane Lake, has recently found his turf under threat from three mottled...

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The Sawmill Slough Preserve

The Sawmill Slough Preserve

Nathan Turoff, Critter Columnist Dec 2, 2019

One of UNF’s most appealing attributes is its incredible selection of wildlife. This isn’t just about Howard the Duck or Mindy the Gator, I’m talking about the Sawmill Slough Preserve. For those...

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Three turkey myths debunked

Three turkey myths debunked

Nathan Turoff, Critter Columnist Nov 19, 2019

The month of November means four things: Cooler weather, shorter days, Black Friday deals and Thanksgiving. The most iconic part of any Thanksgiving dinner is arguably the turkey, so in honor of the...

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Canadian Geese invasion

Canadian Geese invasion

Nathan Turoff, Critter Columnist Oct 22, 2019

Last week, a large flock of Canadian Geese were spotted on campus.  Canadian Geese have spread all over North America, especially along the East and West coasts of the United States.  They are...

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Celebrate Reptile Awareness Day with our campus critters

Celebrate Reptile Awareness Day with our campus critters

Nathan Turoff, Critter Columnist Oct 21, 2019

 Today, October 21, is National Reptile Awareness  Day. Reptiles are profound creatures, and they deserve the respect other animals receive. Reptiles are often confused with amphibians, but they are...

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