Concerns raised over ongoing harassment of burrowing owls in Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

A Cape Coral resident says burrowing owls in his neighborhood have been repeatedly harassed for at least two years, and he's trying to look for help.

The resident, who asked not to be identified out of concern for his safety, contacted Gulf Coast News on Monday and shared surveillance video that appears to show multiple incidents involving the protected birds’ nesting site near Southwest 51st Street and 24th Place.

“These guys are here, and they’re not causing anybody any harm,” the man said.

Burrowing owls are protected under state law. Disturbing or destroying their nests can carry penalties.

The resident said the issue started two years ago. He described a prior effort by a local wildlife group to install protective markers near the burrow, which was ultimately unsuccessful.

“A couple of years ago, Friends of Wildlife tried to put some sticks out there, but the property owner didn’t want them there, which is their right, so it kind of reached an impasse,” he said.

Since then, he said, his cameras have captured repeated disturbances at the site.

“It’s hard to watch,” he said. “You can hear the owls screaming when they’re being invaded or chased out.”

Video provided by the resident shows what appears to be a dog entering and playing in the owls’ burrow on April 12. Other footage shows vehicles, including a pickup truck towing a boat and a larger truck, driving over or near the nesting area.

In one clip, a person can be seen nearby as a vehicle moves across the site.

Steve Handy, another Cape Coral resident, said the behavior shown in the videos is troubling.

“They’re just really beautiful animals, beautiful birds,” Handy said. “Anyone who would do something like that, there’s something wrong, they should be left alone and allowed to live peacefully.”

The resident said his goal in coming forward is to bring attention to the issue and stop the disturbances.

Gulf Coast News reached out to FWC to see if they are aware that the burrowing owl nest is being harassed. We will provide an update once we hear back.

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