If you have ever followed the news on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, you have surely noticed a stream of stories related to nature and natural beauty. It’s not easy to describe, but it is this natural charm that drives the real estate and tourism industries on these Southwest Florida getaways.
One of the most consistent signs of warmer weather is the return of the sea turtle and snowy plover nests on the coasts of Sanibel and Captiva. Staff at the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation have reported that numbers of these two nesting animals are high for this time of year, an exciting start to the season.
These two species are also a great example of the need for locals and visitors to protect the wildlife we enjoy: everyone is encouraged to fill in holes on the beach for snowy plover chicks and keep dogs on leashes as the eggs of both incubate just under the sand.
Another species sighted on the islands in recent years is the coyote. Since 2011, a partnership between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the Ding Darling Wildlife Society has monitored Coyote sightings in the area.
Residents and Sanibel realtors need not worry about these wiley animals. The Cape Coral Daily Breeze reports, “There are virtually no cases of coyote attacks on people in the United States.” These intelligent animals may however be a risk to the sea turtle population, however, a relationship that is being closely studied.
For over a century, Sanibel and Captiva have been preserving their natural beauty for the public enjoyment. Today, as more and more travel to the area or come to call the islands home, it is clear the relationship between value and natural beauty has never been stronger.
