When NOT to Call a Professional Bird Removal Company
December 17th, 2021
Even though a bird may be a nuisance on your property, it doesn’t always mean you can remove it! Tampa bird removal specialists must follow local, state, and federal laws to protect certain bird species. If you are dealing with nuisance birds on your property, make sure you know whether they are protected before acting!
Protected Birds in Florida
It’s important to know what kind of bird you are dealing with and if they are protected by law. For example, homeowners aren’t allowed to remove these birds on their own:
- Woodpeckers
- Grackles
- Crows
- Seagulls
- Certain sparrows
- Certain ducks
Federal Protections for Birds
Many of the birds listed above are protected federally by the Endangered Species Act or The Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Did you know crows are federally protected under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act? That’s because crows are a migratory bird species native to the United States. You can find the full list of migratory birds protected by The Migratory Bird Treaty Act here.
Other birds, like the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The clear cutting of longleaf pine trees led to many Red-cockaded Woodpeckers losing their habitat. Since Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are protected by the ESA, that means landowners have a legal obligation to protect this bird and its habitat.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says relocating, killing, or trapping native wildlife should be a last resort. Only when all other measures have failed when dealing with a protected animal, you can attempt to remove them. Be aware that sometimes you might not get permission to remove them at all.
Contact A Tampa Bird Removal Expert
If you aren’t sure if the nuisance birds on your property are protected or would like more information about how to deter them from your property, call Alford Wildlife! We are a Tampa bird removal company familiar with local, state and federal laws regarding protected birds.
We would be happy to take a look at your home or business and provide insights for the next steps. Call today or contact us online for a free inspection!