As Cape Coral continues to grow, gopher tortoises are finding ways to survive alongside expanding neighborhoods. Their burrows support hundreds of other species, including burrowing owls, making their protection increasingly important to the future of Cape Coral’s wildlife.
Cape Coral’s 2026 Burrowing Owl Census recorded a record 7,828 owls, an encouraging milestone as development continues across the city. See what the latest count reveals about the population, ongoing habitat pressures, and the conservation efforts helping these iconic birds thrive.
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is grateful to State Insurance USA for its generous $500 donation received in June. This meaningful contribution helps us continue our mission to protect local wildlife, preserve vital habitats, and provide environmental education to our community.
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest! Nearly 100 photographs were submitted by amateur photographers from 13 states, showcasing the beauty, personality, and uniqueness of Cape Coral’s iconic burrowing owls.
Featured in the Cape Coral Breeze, the Butterfly House at Rotary Park is a small space with a big impact on conservation, education, and visitors worldwide.
Beverly Saltonstall shares her journey from nurse to wildlife advocate, championing Cape Coral’s burrowing owls through education and action.
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife launches a new program combining conservation, career pathways, and inclusion for youth with disabilities.
CCFW is proud to announce the receipt of a generous $1,000 donation from the Centimark Foundation in support of local wildlife preservation efforts.
The Burrowing owl population is thriving and growing on Cape Coral. The results for 2025 Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Census were announced on Aug. 6. When the counting concluded during the weekend of May 17–18, a total of 7,008 owls were recorded.
The Burrowing owl population is thriving and growing on Cape Coral. The results for 2025 Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Census were announced on Aug. 6. When the counting concluded during the weekend of May 17–18, a total of 7,008 owls were recorded.
Join CCFW’s 2025 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest! Snap a photo, win prizes, and be featured on the next festival T-shirt. Registration opens May 1st
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is against the City of Cape Coral using 14 acres of Yellow Fever Creek Preserve for the north utilities extension project.
In a heartfelt act of conservation, Alexandra Fasulo, a former Cape Coral resident and advocate for wildlife preservation, has donated her 10,000-square-foot lot to the Cape Coral Wildlife Trust (CCWT).
A Cape Coral resident is raising concerns after witnessing the destruction of a burrowing owl habitat.
Early Thursday morning, around 8:30 a.m., concerned neighbor Amanda Goodwin says she saw the bulldozing of the protective sign for burrowing owls at the construction site at NE 8th Place and NE 11th Street.
Goodwin says she saw a white pickup truck with a tractor dismantling the sign. NBC2 even spotted a displaced owl while at the construction site.
Over 100 volunteers with Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife have set out across neighborhoods to count up the number of owls across the city.
A memorandum of agreement was pulled from the Cape Coral City Council agenda before its Wednesday meeting, as execution of the $900,000 grant for burrowing owl habitat protection is still being worked out.
The grant the city will use to purchase more properties for burrowing owls was supposed to be approved at Wednesday’s city council meeting, but Cheryl Anderson said it wasn’t.
One of Southwest Florida’s most beloved reptiles is finally getting celebrated the way it always deserved to be. Gopher Tortoise Day is April 10, with the goal of raising awareness for the threatened species.
Burrowing owls in Cape Coral are threatened as heavy rain puts their homes in danger. Cheryl Anderson, who is on the board of directors for the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, says, “That’s why we want your help now.”
