SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported {that a} inhabitants of stray cats has been forming on Sanibel, and it’s contributing to efforts to maintain the animals off the streets, the place they pose a menace to native wildlife.
Many residents reported misplaced cats following Hurricane Ian in 2022 and — regardless of the perfect efforts of SCCF workers and companions to rescue misplaced pets and reunite them with their homeowners — some cats weren’t positioned.
“Ian-related strandings could one cause behind the recent uptick in feral cats on the island,” shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht stated. “SCCF has been working with a team of dedicated volunteers to humanely trap these cats and find them foster homes until permanent homes can be found.”
The SCCF reported that outside cats can spell large hassle for native wildlife, particularly birds. The American Bird Conservancy lists predation by outside cats because the primary human-caused menace to birds, with cats killing roughly 2.4 billion birds every year within the United States alone. They may prey on mammals, reptiles, amphibians and even sea turtle eggs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates {that a} single free-ranging cat kills about 100 animals per yr.
“Even a well-fed cat will hunt and kill if left outdoor — it is instinctive predatory behavior. This is why trap-neuter-release programs are not always effective,” she stated. “They may prevent overpopulation but they do not safeguard native wildlife.”
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Feral cats may unfold illness throughout species, together with to people and different mammals.
The SCCF famous that Sanibel has had feral cat points prior to now, however not for the reason that early 2000s, which was previous to the arrival of coyotes on the island. Nonprofits reminiscent of PAWS have helped find and lure any stray cats for a lot of years, however they don’t seem to be at present working on the islands.
If you’ve noticed cats on Sanibel or Captiva that seem like stray or feral, contact the SCCF at [email protected].
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- SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
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- SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
