News
Cape Coral residents protest proposed Redfish Pointe development of homes, shops, hotel
As rain hit Rotary Park on Wednesday morning, around 100 Cape Coral residents came and marched, armed with wet signs with many saying they were there to “stop a future crime.”
Volunteer of the Month – September 2023
Jim Collier
Thousands of bees found dead at Cape Coral home
One local Cape Coral beekeeper woke up to thousands of dead bees on his property…and he blames pesticides for killing them.
Op-Ed: Cape Coral should fix, update Chiquita Lock
Since Hurricane Ian, the lock has been broken open, allowing pollutants to flow freely into the Caloosahatchee estuary. While the city wants to remove the lock, we should not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Instead, the lock should be updated so it can continue to protect the Caloosahatchee estuary without impacting manatees and boaters.
The Owls Have It
Cape Coral, Florida, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, its population up nearly 98 percent to more than 204,000 since 2000. Construction is booming, a plus for the economy but disastrous for area wildlife—especially ground-nesting burrowing owls.
Residents sound off over proposed changes in Cape Coral neighborhood
Originally published WINK-TV by Justin KaseThere has been mixed feedback from viewers about the proposed changes and upgrades to Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. Cape Coral City Council held a vote on Wednesday to move forward with hiring a design firm, which will focus on...
Butterfly House Visitor Saves Tonka the Tortoise
May 1, 2023, in the Butterfly House, Tonka the African Sulcata tortoise (who lives in the Butterfly House) decided to munch on a piece of plastic. Cheryl A. pulled some out of her mouth, but she had a bunch still in there. I tried to get the remaining plastic, but...
A look back at Harriet the Eagle’s final, chaotic season in Southwest Florida
Originally published in the News-Pres, by Samantha NeelyFrom massive hurricanes to missing matriarchs, this season for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam has been one for the books. The livestream has showcased the lives of longtime local icon, Harriet the Eagle, and her...
Cape Coral landscaper caught mowing over burrow
Cape Coral, Florida, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, its population up nearly 98 percent to more than 204,000 since 2000. Construction is booming, a plus for the economy but disastrous for area wildlife—especially ground-nesting burrowing owls.
2023 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest
Adult CategoryFirst PlaceSecond PlaceThird PlaceT-Third PlaceAdult Honorable MentionYouth CategoryAwards
Rat poison could be killing burrowing owls in Cape Coral
Cape Coral, Florida, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, its population up nearly 98 percent to more than 204,000 since 2000. Construction is booming, a plus for the economy but disastrous for area wildlife—especially ground-nesting burrowing owls.
Iconic SWFL butterfly species needs help recovering post-Ian
Originally published on WINK-TV, by Elizabeth BiroSightings of the zebra longwing, once the most prominent butterfly in Southwest Florida, have been spotty since Hurricane Ian. One group is working to bring it back. “Structurally, they’re built quite differently from...
Cape Coral homeowner volunteers making burrowing owl perches by the thousands
Cape Coral, Florida, is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, its population up nearly 98 percent to more than 204,000 since 2000. Construction is booming, a plus for the economy but disastrous for area wildlife—especially ground-nesting burrowing owls.
2023 Burrowing Owl Festival Memories
Thank You to All Burrowing Owl Festival Sponsors!
The Board of Directors of Cape Coral Wildlife, Inc. would like to recognize the following major sponsors of the 2023 Burrowing Owl Festival – Wildlife & Environmental Expo. If you are personally acquainted with a sponsor or business, please thank them when you get...
Paying Homage to the City Bird
A long-time tradition in the Cape paying homage and educating the public on Cape Coral’s official city bird takes place this weekend.
“CHARGING” – Nature of Cape Coral Bus Tour – Cape Coral Wildlife Trust’s Gopher Tortoise Preserve
Imagine having the rare opportunity to have this “CLOSE ENCOUNTER” happen to you! Thank you to Charles Wellhausen for sharing this amazing video!
Cape canals, wildlife disturbed in Ian debris cleanup
It has come to Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife’s attention that overzealous debris removal crews with huge excavators and tandem debris trucks are scraping the lots and the banks of canals across a wide swath of Cape Coral.
Burrowing owls defenders say heavy equipment for Hurricane Ian debris is crushing underground nests
The passionate defenders of Cape Coral’s burrowing owls are livid now that tractors are clearing debris from Hurricane Ian out of the city’s canals and possibly crushing dozens of owl and gopher tortoise burrows.
More Explores Ground Owl Day (ABC 7)
Watch ABC-7’s coverage of Cape Coral’s Ground Owl Day, Feb 2, 2023.
How Florida wildlife is faring after Hurricane Ian
Ian resulted in the deaths of at least 130 people and displaced thousands more. Now, as residents begin to rebuild, questions remain about the future of its diverse, critically important native species.
Cape Coral’s burrowing owls may have gotten lucky during Hurricane Ian
Despite howling winds and flooding waters from Hurricane Ian, Mr. Lucky – because he’s also Mr. Smarty – survived. As did most of his friends.
Burrowing owls returning to a damaged habitat after Hurricane Ian
The storm left the birds without a place to go back to, and many of them were injured. The owls are all over our community, and without a home, they’ll become scarce.
US wildlife officials deny increased gopher tortoise protections
The destruction of a once-thriving gopher tortoise community in Lehigh Acres last week typifies what’s happening to the threatened species throughout Southwest Florida, advocates say.