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Burrowing Owls
Burrowing owls often nest on vacant lots in rapidly developing
suburban areas and may respond to disturbed soil conditions associated
with early construction activities. Many people wrongly believe that it is
not possible to build on a lot if burrowing owls occupy it. One of the key
management practices in Cape Coral is the site inspection provided by
the contractor prior to permitting. The contractor must submit a
Burrowing Owl Affidavit with all building permits. All burrows on the
project site must be reported on the affidavit.
If a burrowing owl nest is present on a prospective construction site, one
of two scenarios can occur, depending on the proximity of the owl burrow
to development. The developer must first determine if there is any way to construct the project while maintaining a
protection zone with at least a ten foot radius in all directions from the burrow entrance. Building around an owl nest is
the best scenario for the owls and the contractor.
If the burrow is located within the building envelope, the policy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission is to issue permits to allow destruction of burrowing owl nest burrows only as a last resort and after all
reasonable alternatives have been considered and determined impractical. In order to minimize the adverse impacts
to the species when a nest is destroyed, the contractor or homeowner is strongly encouraged to place a “starter
burrow” some place on the property. For more information, visit www.capecoral.net.
Eagles Nests
Southern bald eagle, osprey, roseate spoonbill, egret,
ibis, great blue heron and the brown pelican are a few examples
of the many birds found in this area. The terrestrial
communities have been the most disturbed by growth, but on
any given day one may possibly see animals and birds such as
raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, bobwhite quail, white ibis and
ground doves. In addition to the bald eagle, terrestrial
communities in Cape Coral are also home to endangered or
potentially endangered species, including the burrowing owl,
gopher tortoise, and the eastern indigo snake.
A permit is not required to conduct any particular activity, but is
necessary to avoid liability for take or disturbance caused by the
activity. Therefore, any land altering activity within 660 feet of
an active or alternate bald eagle nest that cannot be undertaken
consistent with the FWC Eagle Management Guidelines may
require a FWC Permit. The FWC will issue an eagle permit
where the applicant provides minimization and/or conservation
measures that will advance the goal and objectives of this
management plan. The following units (specific sections of Cape
Coral) may be affected by eagle management zones:
28, 50, 54, 63, 70, 89, 92, 94, 95.
Contact the City website, www.capecoral.net, to see if your parcel is located within an eagle zone. To check if the
property falls within an eagle zone prior to purchasing property, go to the City of Cape Coral’s Planning and Growth
Management Division, or give us a call, 239.542.1075.
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