Multiple pelicans found dead at Matlacha park, FWC begins investigation

MATLACHA, Fla. —

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials are investigating the deaths of three pelicans found this week at Bat House Park on Matlacha, a popular fishing spot in Lee County.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed it received a report Jan. 21 of multiple deceased pelicans at the park. An FWC officer responded to the scene to gather information, and the case remains under investigation.

People who regularly fish at the park said pelicans are commonly seen in the area and expressed concern and sadness over the birds’ deaths.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Theodore Randolph, a fisherman who said he visits the waters near Matlacha almost daily. “They’re animals, and they’re just out here trying to get a meal.”

Randolph said he worries the birds may have been intentionally harmed, noting tensions that sometimes arise between anglers and pelicans competing for bait or fish.

“Some people are just downright rude,” he said. “They’re mad at the pelicans for taking their baits, taking their hooks. So they could obviously do some negligent things to pelicans.”

A viewer told Gulf Coast News that someone allegedly kicked the birds to death. Two pelicans were initially found dead, and a third was later discovered behind a fence at the park.

A Lee County ranger collected one of the birds, and FWC officers arrived within an hour to begin the investigation. The pelicans were placed into a collection basket for further examination.

Visiting Matlacha, Pauline Seeger said the situation was disturbing.

“It’s absolutely disgusting,” she said.

FWC officials said it is currently unclear what caused the pelicans’ deaths. Randolph said he hopes the investigation will bring answers.

“I hope they take care of it, and they figure out what happened, and they find the people responsible,” he said. “If they did negligently hurt them.”

FWC staff monitor bird mortality trends statewide and encourage the public to report sightings of dead pelicans and other birds through the agency’s Avian Mortality Reporting App. Suspected wildlife violations can also be reported to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC.

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