Respect the Natives
can be seen from the shore , playing in boat wakes or occasionally cruising the Cape ’ s canals . They might seem irresistibly friendly , but feeding them or guiding a boat into a group of them can be harmful to you and them .
Manatee : These gentle “ sea cows ” are large — growing up to 13 feet and 3,000 pounds — but harmless . Susceptible to cold , they congregate in warmer water during cold snaps . You ’ re most likely to notice one of these air-breathing mammals when it surfaces with a sudden puff of breath . Slow-speed boating zones in the Caloosahatchee and other areas help protect the slow-moving manatees , which are protected under state and federal law .
Respect the Natives
These few simple guidelines can help protect local wildlife :
Don ’ t feed them . Wild animals don ’ t need our help , and encouraging them to approach humans puts both human and animal at risk .
Clean up fishing line and tackle . Getting tangled in monofilament or swallowing hooks kills marine life , pelicans and wading birds .
Enjoy animals from a distance . Approaching a wild animal can put you — and it — in harm ’ s way .
Photo Provided by The Lee County VCB
Learn More
About
Local Wildlife x
Learn more and get involved with wildlife appreciation and protection efforts through the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife ( CCFriendsofWildlife . org ). The city offers programs and information about the area ’ s wildlife and natural ecosystems at Rotary Park Environmental Center For Details : 549-4606 or CapeCoral . net
If you find an injured animal , the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife ( CROW ) on Sanibel might be able to help . For details : 472-3644 or CrowClinic . org
PATRIOT PETS & SUPPLIES
Supplies for all PETS from big to small , we have it all !
Small animals Reptiles Fish Feeders Dog and Cat foods Grooming
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( 239 ) 242-7387
1242 SW Pine Island Rd Ste 47 , Cape Coral
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