CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Neighbors in Cape Canaveral say they are finding dead mourning doves in yards, along streets and near empty lots, prompting the city to issue a warning and contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Residents told News 6 they are worried and hoping to learn what is causing the deaths.
“It was just doves, morning doves. And they were just laying around everywhere,” said Cape Canaveral resident Charles Seymour.
Seymour said he and his wife began noticing dead birds while riding their bikes around the neighborhood last weekend.
“We saw about eight or nine,” Seymour said.
He shared photos with News 6 showing several dead doves. Seymour said many of the birds did not appear to have been struck by cars or attacked by 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