Wildlife in Cape Coral

Common Native Urban Wildlife
Urban wildlife habitats can support habitat connectivity within ecological landscapes and serve as a refuge for species impacted by urbanization. Wildlife, plant, and marine biodiversity keep ecosystems functional. When species decrease in number, ecosystems, food webs, and people suffer. Common native urban wildlife in Cape Coral includes:

Invasive Lizards
Cape Coral is home to three species of large, invasive lizards: the Nile Monitor, the Green Iguana, and the Spiny-tailed Iguana.  While both types of iguana are found all over Florida, Nile Monitors are unique to this area.  They were introduced sometime before 1990, probably due to the pet trade, and the population in Cape Coral is believed to be over one thousand.

Nile Monitor Trapping
Nile Monitors are carnivores, and they are extremely good predators.  They'll eat fish, turtles, mollusks, birds, mammals, and eggs.  They live in burrows in the ground, generally near canals. They are excellent swimmers, able to hold their breath for up to an hour, and can run up to 18 mph on land.  Nile Monitors can grow to 7 feet long, so the potential harm to wildlife in the area - including burrowing owls - is great.  Because of that threat, the Environmental Resources Division conducts a trapping program.  If you see a Nile Monitor near your property, please call us at 574-0785, and we will attempt to trap it.

We do not trap iguanas; however, you may contact a private trapper for assistance.  Most private trappers will charge a fee.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains a list of registered nuisance wildlife trappers on their website. 

Is it a Nile Monitor or an Iguana?
Here's what to look for to tell the difference.  Scroll down for photos of each species.

	Nile Monitor:
	Green Iguana:
	Spiny-tailed Iguana:
	Colombian, black and white Tegu:

Additional Resources: 

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Fishing Information

• Basic Tips for Fishing in Cape Coral (pdf)
• Learn to Fish
• Fish Florida 
• Fish Consumption Advisory

• Because the fishing line is thin and often transparent, it is tough for birds and animals to see, and they can easily brush up against it and become entangled.

• Researchers have documented over 60 fish species that have swallowed or become entangled in marine debris.

• Dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles may also ingest or become entangled in fishing lines.

• Hundreds of seabirds are rescued annually due to hook and line entanglements, and many less fortunate birds die.

 Problems for People:

• Floating fishing lines can get caught in boat engines, resulting in costly repairs.

• When surveyed, boat motor repair services in Northeast Florida indicated that approximately 25% - 30% of all repairs were associated with fishing line entanglement on the propeller or the shaft.

• Boaters have been hooked by fishing gear hanging from bridges.

• It is difficult for humans, as it is for wildlife, to see fishing lines floating in the water or tangled up in the rocks.  There are documented cases of swimmers & divers becoming entangled in fishing lines, panicking, and drowning.

	Monofilament Recycling Bin Photo courtesy of Sea Grant	Mini-recycling bin Photo courtesy of Sea Grant

• Be Line Consciouss - Consider the age and strength of your line. Keep track of all lines you use. It is essential to take the time to remove fishing line from the mangroves if it becomes tangled there after miscasting. Small pieces of line cut from leaders can be stored in a mini monofilament recycling bin, available for no cost at City Hall and Rotary Park Environmental Center.

• Recover Fishing Line - Remove and properly dispose of any fishing line you encounter. 

• Recycle - Fishing lines cannot be included in your regular recycling bin but can be sent back to the manufacturer and recycled into new fishing gear. Recycle fishing lines at a local tackle shop or an outdoor PVC recycling bin posted at boat ramps and piers throughout the City. If the tackle shop you visit does not have a recycling bin, encourage them to participate in the program. If you must throw your used line into the trash, first cut it into lengths shorter than 6 inches. This will lower the likelihood of entanglement or ingestion by wildlife, as birds, small mammals, or even wind can pull it out of a garbage pail or landfill.

Wildlife Brochures

• Cape Coral Listed / Protected Species (pdf)
• Coastal Bird Brochure (pdf)
• Coyote Information-Be Safe and Smart (pdf)
• Living With Alligators (pdf)
• Living With Crocodiles (pdf)
• Living With Otters (pdf)
• Midge Brochure (pdf) 
• Nile Monitor Brochure (pdf)
• Smalltooth Sawfish Conflict with Canopy Bungee Cords (pdf)

Related Organizations

• Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
• Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission