CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Residents in Cape Canaveral say they have recently come across dead mourning doves in yards, along roadways and near vacant lots, raising concerns in the community and prompting city officials to alert the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
People who spoke with News 6 said they are uneasy about the number of dead birds being found and want answers about what may be behind the deaths.
“It was just doves, mourning doves. And they were just laying around everywhere,” Cape Canaveral resident Charles Seymour said.
Seymour said he and his wife first noticed the dead birds while riding their bikes through the neighborhood last weekend.
“We saw about eight or nine,” he said.
Seymour provided News 6 with photos showing several dead doves. He said many of the birds did not appear to have been hit by vehicles or killed by other animals.
“They looked like they just went to sleep,” he said.
Not far away, another resident, Susan, said she returned home from a trip last week and spotted dead birds in her own yard.
“When I walked out in the morning, there were two dead birds,” she said.
Susan said she has personally seen four dead doves near her home.
“It does seem to be the doves that are having a problem, which is kind of a shame. They’re very sweet,” she said.
The city of Cape Canaveral recently posted an advisory on social media after receiving reports of deceased mourning doves. City officials said they contacted FWC and encouraged residents to report dead or sick wild birds through the agency’s online reporting system.
The city also advised residents not to handle sick or dead birds unless necessary. If disposal is required, officials recommend wearing disposable gloves, an N95 mask and eye protection, placing the bird in a garbage bag, double-bagging it and sealing it before putting it in the trash. People should wash their hands thoroughly afterward.
Seymour said neighbors are anxious for answers.
“What’s causing it? And how can it be stopped?” he said.
News 6 emailed and called the city of Cape Canaveral seeking more information. City staff said they were working to get answers, but had not yet provided additional details as of Tuesday evening.
FWC told News 6 it is working on the station’s request for information.
At this point, officials have not announced a cause for the deaths or said whether any of the birds have been tested.
The FWC shared this link to report dead bird sightings: Avian Mortality and Morbidity Reporter
