Hundreds of Mothballs Found at St. Pete Beach Prompt Wildlife Investigation
- Hundreds of mothballs were scattered across a section of St.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to reports of a strong chemical smell along the beach near the Lido Residences on Gulf Boulevard, where officers...
- FWC Officer Brian Ferguson stated that the placement appeared deliberate, saying, “My feelings are that they were put out to try and deter the protected skimmers that were...
Hundreds of mothballs were scattered across a section of St. Pete Beach in Florida on Monday, April 20, 2026, prompting an investigation by wildlife officials who believe the act was intended to deter protected black skimmers from nesting in the area.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to reports of a strong chemical smell along the beach near the Lido Residences on Gulf Boulevard, where officers discovered the pesticide-filled balls spaced every few feet across approximately 100 yards of sand — 50 yards north and 50 yards south of the condominium building.
FWC Officer Brian Ferguson stated that the placement appeared deliberate, saying, “My feelings are that they were put out to try and deter the protected skimmers that were on the beach,” noting that despite the deterrent attempt, a colony of several hundred black skimmers remained in the vicinity, nesting within inches of the hazardous material.
Black skimmers, a state-designated threatened species in Florida, typically begin nesting on open sand at St. Pete Beach starting May 1. Environmental advocates warn that the birds’ ground-nesting behavior makes them especially vulnerable to ground-level disturbances such as chemical pollutants, which can release toxic fumes when exposed to open air and pose risks not only to wildlife but also to humans and pets who might mistake the small white balls for candy.
Volunteers and bird stewards spent hours removing the mothballs from the sand to reduce the immediate threat to wildlife. Local residents expressed frustration over the incident, with some describing it as “disgusting” and “ridiculous,” particularly given the ongoing efforts to protect fragile coastal habitats from human disturbance.
Businesses in the area have since offered a reward for information leading to the identification of whoever placed the mothballs, while the FWC continues its investigation into the incident as a potential violation of wildlife protection laws.