Wildlife Feeding: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers

Can I feed ducks at a Florida pond?

Feeding ducks is not prohibited statewide, but feeding sandhill cranes, pelicans, and alligators that may share the pond is illegal under FWC rules.

What if a bear visits my Florida yard?

Secure trash, pet food, and grills. After a written FWC warning, leaving attractants accessible can be charged as illegal bear feeding under Rule 68A-4.001.

Is it illegal to feed alligators in Fort Myers?

Yes. Florida Administrative Code Rule 68A-25.001 and Florida Statute § 379.412 make it a second-degree misdemeanor to intentionally feed a wild alligator or crocodile (up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine). Feeding makes alligators associate humans with food, increases attack risk, and almost always results in the animal being killed as a nuisance.

Can I feed wading birds or pelicans in Fort Myers?

No. FWC Rule 68A-4.001 prohibits intentional feeding of pelicans, sandhill cranes, Florida panthers, and non-human primates. FWC Rule 68A-16.002 separately prohibits feeding bald eagles. Violation is a second-degree misdemeanor.

What about feeding ducks or songbirds in my yard?

Backyard songbird feeders are not prohibited, but FWC asks residents to take feeders down if they attract black bears or other large wildlife, and Rule 68A-4.001 prohibits placing food in a manner that attracts bears, foxes, coyotes, or raccoons. Feeding pelicans, sandhill cranes, or non-game wading birds is illegal even if incidental to a songbird feeder.