Mercury warning issued for pig frog legs from Everglades

Forget snakes and alligators.

The latest hazard in the Everglades: Pig frogs.

Florida has issued a consumption advisory for pig frog legs caught in parts of the Everglades in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties because of high mercury levels.

This is the first mercury warning ever issued in Florida for an animal other than fish or shellfish.

The Florida Department of Health and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission jointly issued the advisory, which states that young children and women of child-bearing age should limit consumption of meat from pig frog legs.

The advisory is for Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3, which cover sections of the Everglades in the three counties.

The state agencies recommend that the two vulnerable groups limit consumption to two 8-ounce portions per week from WCA 2A and 2B, no more than one 8-ounce portion per month from WCA 3A North and 3A South, and no more than one 8-ounce portion per week from WCA 3B.