The sub-tropical climate of Southwest Florida allows for an incredible variety of wildlife such as exotic birds, alligators, manatees, and dolphins to name a few. The City of Cape Coral has several locations where wildlife can be viewed in their natural environments including:
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve: SE 23rd Terrace
As the largest nature preserve in Cape Coral, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve encompasses 365 acres of wildness that serve as home to a variety of flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Resident Wildlife: Wading birds, migrant songbirds, waterfowl, gopher tortoises, dolphin, various reptiles and amphibians.
Rotary Park Environmental Center: 5505 Rose Garden Blvd, (239)549-4606
This park, which is set on 97 acres of natural beauty, is considered the “Great Florida Birding Site." As part of the Florida Birding Trail, birdwatching is an extremely popular activity at Rotary Park.
Resident Wildlife: Wading birds, raptors, migrant songbirds, butterflies, foxes and other mammals.
Saratoga Lake Park: 170 SE 4th Terrace
Resident Wildlife: Burrowing Owls
Sirenia Vista Park: Ceitus Parkway & Old Burnt Store Road
Resident Wildlife: Manatees abundant November – February, occasionally rest of the year.
Strausser BMX Sports Complex: 1410 SW 6th Place
Resident Wildlife: Active Bald Eagle nest
Veterans Park: 4140 Coronado Parkway
Resident Wildlife: Burrowing Owls
Please be advised that there is proper etiquette to follow when viewing wildlife :
◦ Observe posted rules for safe distances while viewing wildlife.
◦ Getting close enough to an animal to make it react is too close, and you
should back away immediately.
◦ You may approach as close as 20 ft to an owl’s nest, but must remain 150
ft from the eagle’s nest.
◦ Please DO NOT feed the wildlife!
◦ There are stiff penalties for wildlife harassment, especially for threatened
species.
◦ Wildlife is best enjoyed when one is quietly observing their natural
behavior.
If you are interested in helping with wildlife conservation, the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife volunteer group is great place to get involved. Please visit their website: www.ccfriendsofwildlife.org for more information, or for more details about wildlife viewing in Cape Coral, please contact the Environmental Recreation staff at Rotary Park - (239) 549-4606.
For general information about Cape Coral Parks & Recreation, call (239) 573-3128 or, if you encounter an issue in one of Cape Coral's parks, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department's non-emergency line at (239) 574-3223.