Wildlife in Paradise - The Burrowing Owls of Cape Coral

Did you know...

....Cape Coral has the largest population of Florida Burrowing Owls in the state? We're home to an estimated 1,000 nesting pairs! And while photographers and bird enthusiasts come from all over the world to see our owls, we can find one of their burrows not very far from our front doors. Keep your eyes open for their nests marked with white stakes or wooden crosses; you'll find them all over town!

 

Burrowing owls make great neighbors...

....and not just because they're adorable. Unlike their western cousins, Florida Burrowing Owls do not migrate. All year, these feathered vigilantes are hard at work keeping our city beautiful by chowing down on rodents, snakes, and insects. These fierce predators are a vital part of our thriving ecosystem, consuming agricultural pests and preventing the spread of diseases that rodents carry.

 

We can be great neighbors, too...

...by giving them the space and safety to hunt and raise their families in peace. First, if you are lucky enough to spot one, don't get too close - a minimum distance of 20 feet is recommended. (Thank goodness for the zoom feature!) Second, don't linger too long. Our owls are used to us, but they are still reluctant to leave their nests or hunt for prey while people are nearby.