Marco Island residents worry about rising wildlife activity near homes

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — Marco Island residents are expressing concerns over increasing wildlife activity around their homes.

Neighbors have reported sightings of various animals, from iguanas to palm rats, and are seeking guidance on who to contact for assistance and what actions can be taken.

Laura Kotte, a resident of Marco Island, shared her experiences with the local wildlife.

"We see everything from coyotes to bobcats to iguanas. We have rabbits, we have rats," said Kotte.

Kotte emphasized that iguanas pose the most significant issue.

"Iguanas for sure, because they are an invasive species and they’re destructive, so they really probably shouldn’t be there," said Kotte.

Her neighbor, Harvey Springs, echoed her concerns.

"I’ve got a canal, and so I don’t like the iguanas because they undermine the seawall, so I take care of those myself," said Springs.

Springs mentioned that iguanas are a year-round presence on his property.

"Iguanas are here just about year-round. I see them during the middle of the day, when I do see them, occasionally, when it gets cold, we’ve come across some stunned, cold, stunned iguanas," said Springs.

The city of Marco Island told WINK NEWS it does not offer pest or wildlife removal services, nor does it manage wildlife control on private property.

Residents are encouraged to contact a licensed trapper or wildlife control operator through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The FWC suggests several measures homeowners can take to deter wildlife, such as removing plants that attract animals, filling in holes to prevent burrowing, using noise-making items like wind chimes, hanging reflective objects like CDs, and spraying animals with water as a deterrent.

For more information on wildlife control, residents can reach out to the FWC.