Rules for visitation to a Critical Wildlife Area

You are here: Commonly Sighted Birds Rules for visitation to a Critical Wildlife Area You are here:

How can I help?? Enjoy your walk on Little Estero Island, Bowditch Point, or through the Matanzas Pass Preserve! But remember that while you are here to recreate, other creatures' survival depends on your behavior. Please follow these simple rules to minimize impacts on our wildlife: PLEASE, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! When you see concentrations of birds, a good "rule of thumb" is to stay at least 500 feet away. Minimizing disturbance to concentrations of birds is the key to conserving them. WALK AROUND! Please, do not ever intentionally force birds to fly. If you see birds on the beach, in the lagoon, or on a sandbar -- always give them the right of way. KEEP YOUR PET LEASHED! Never approach a bird colony accompanied by your dog. One loose dog can destroy a colony of ground-nesting birds within a matter of minutes. SUPPORT POSTING EFFORTS. Honor these closed areas and encourage others to do the same. HELP SPREAD THE WORD. If you see others disturbing wildlife, let them know about the effects of their actions. Many people don't realize that their actions may be harmful to wildlife. If you see someone maliciously disturbing a bird colony, contact the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, the Lee County Sheriff's Department or officials of the Town of Fort Myers Beach.