Most visitors never meet most of this. Florida is a big state and its wildlife changes a lot from region to region - a cane toad is a South Florida backyard problem, a black bear is a central and north Florida one, and a crocodile only matters in the far south. These guides are here for the encounter you do have, not because one is likely.
Burrowing owls are one of Florida’s most unusual birds.
Unlike most owls, they spend much of their time on or near the ground.
They nest in burrows in open areas such as:
- Vacant lots
- Lawns
- Golf courses
- Airports
- Parks
- Roadside open land
For dog owners:
Keep dogs away from marked burrows and never allow digging near an owl colony.
Burrowing Owls Are Ground-Nesting Birds
That makes them especially vulnerable to dogs.
A dog can disturb:
- Adult birds
- Eggs
- Chicks
- Burrow entrances
without even seeing them.
Where They Are Common
Florida burrowing owls are especially well known in:
- Cape Coral
- Marco Island
- Other parts of South Florida
They may also occur in other open habitats.
Marked Burrows
Communities often mark active burrows with:
- Stakes
- Perches
- Rope
- Signs
Stay outside the marked area.
Do Not Let Dogs Dig
Dogs that love digging are a major concern around burrowing owl habitat.
Keep them on short leash.
Do not let them investigate:
- Holes
- Burrow entrances
- Dirt mounds
Chicks Can Be Hard to See
Young owls may stand near burrow entrances and blend into:
- Sand
- Grass
- Soil
Give the entire marked area a wide berth.
Adults May Defend the Area
Burrowing owls are small, but adults may become defensive near nests.
Keep dogs from getting close enough to trigger defensive behavior.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral is famous for burrowing owls.
Dog walkers should be especially alert in neighborhoods with:
- Marked lots
- Perches
- Burrow signs
Marco Island
Marco Island also supports burrowing owls in developed areas.
The same rules apply:
- Leash
- No digging
- No chasing
- Stay out of marked areas
Do Not Feed
Do not feed burrowing owls.
Let them continue natural hunting behavior.
If You Find an Injured Owl
Keep dog away.
Contact:
- Licensed wildlife rehabilitator
- FWC
Do not attempt to handle the bird.
Legal Protection
Florida burrowing owls are protected wildlife.
Active nests and burrows should not be disturbed.
Best Burrowing-Owl Safety Checklist
- Short leash
- Avoid marked burrows
- No digging
- Keep dog away from chicks
- Stay on paths
- Do not feed
- Report injured birds
Related Guides
- Florida Birdwatching With a Dog
- Florida Birds Dogs Should Never Chase
- Best Pet-Friendly Places to Watch Wildlife in Florida
- Wild Parrots in Florida
Burrowing owls are exactly the kind of Florida wildlife a dog can stumble into by accident.
A leash and a little distance make a huge difference.
Sources
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — Burrowing Owl: myfwc.com
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