CAPE CORAL, Fla - A man recorded two children near a burrowing owl nests. He posted the video to Facebook with the claim the two girls threw rocks at the threatened species.
"I think it's messed up," Derek Parent said. "I wouldn't want my kids to do it," he added.
The Cape Coral man reported the incident to Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. Vice President Pascha Donaldson told 4 In Your Corner the community is their eyes and ears to transgressions against animals.
"They're are a threatened species," Donaldson said. "The penalties for harassing them or destroying the burrow is a third degree felony," she added.
Burrowing owl nests can be found all over Cape Coral. Their nests are surrounded by PVC piping to warn people the nests are around. It is especially important not to disturb the nests this time of year.
"The owls are very protective of their nests during nesting season," Donaldson said. "You have to remind people, it's not just a hole. It's a burrow. If you step on it, you will crush it," she added.
Donaldson told 4 In Your Corner people who spot people that disturb burrowing owls should report it to Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, the Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the city.
