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Merritt Island Residents Outraged by Screaming Peafowl Invasion
20 Jul
Summary
- Feral peafowl are causing disturbances with loud calls and property damage.
- Homeowners are legally permitted to remove the invasive birds on their property.
- No single agency has taken responsibility for managing the growing peafowl population.
South Merritt Island neighborhoods are enduring nightly disturbances from a thriving population of feral peafowl. These invasive birds, descendants of pets introduced decades ago, are known for their loud, incessant calls at all hours, causing distress to residents. The peafowl also damage yards and roost on rooftops, exacerbating the problem for homeowners who are legally permitted to remove them.
Despite this allowance, residents and local officials are struggling to manage the growing population. Multiple government agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and county authorities, have stated that managing the peafowl falls outside their purview. This has created a 'no man's land' situation where no single entity has the authority or responsibility to address the escalating issue, leaving residents frustrated as the problem persists.
