Two Florida business owners now face felony charges after authorities say they spread 1,500 mothballs across St. Pete Beach to drive away a nesting colony of endangered black skimmers. Investigators allege the men acted out of fear that the birds would obstruct beach access for their customers and hurt their bottom line.
Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discovered the toxic substances in April. Volunteers worked to clear the beach, but hundreds more mothballs appeared shortly after, prompting an investigation into the source of the chemical contamination. Officials eventually reviewed surveillance footage and digital records that linked the two business owners to the plot.
Text messages recovered by investigators revealed the pair discussed their frustration with the birds and coordinated the placement of the mothballs to discourage nesting. Court records show both men are charged with third-degree felony illegal dumping and misdemeanor harassment of a state-listed species.
While the birds were not directly killed, the incident delayed their nesting season. Experts warn that this disruption is dangerous for young birds that need sufficient time to grow before hurricane season concludes. Both owners were released on bond as the legal process continues.