CASSELBERRY, Fla. —
Peacocks have been a fixture in Casselberry for decades, but city leaders are now considering changes to their protected status after homeowners raised concerns about property damage.
Bill Hyde, who has lived in Casselberry’s Lost Lakes neighborhood since 2007, said the peacocks have been in the area even longer.
“We’ve had a herd of peacocks here ever since we moved in,” Hyde said.
Hyde said he has enjoyed watching the birds over the years.
“It’s just — the wildlife here is just wonderful and exciting to watch,” Hyde said.
City Manager Randy Newlon explained that about 10 years ago, residents requested protections for the peacocks after one homeowner attempted to trap and relocate them.
“They passed an ordinance that declared the city a bird sanctuary and prohibited any kind of hunting or trapping that might occur,” Newlon said.
For nearly a decade, peacocks have been protected across Casselberry, but some homeowners say the birds are causing damage to windows, cars, and landscaping.
“We had a peacock go through the lanai screen a few years ago, and I replaced the whole screen,” Hyde said.
“I bought my brand-new pickup a couple years ago, and the peacocks roosted on it and were befouling the sides of it,” Hyde added.
On Monday, city commissioners said they are considering creating an exception to the ordinance that would allow homeowners to arrange for peacocks to be humanely trapped or removed.
“We don’t want to jeopardize our rights with regard to restricting access to our lakes, to hunters, by inadvertently spoiling the bird sanctuary status by lifting restrictions on the peafowl, so that’s what we’re trying to accomplish with Fish and Wildlife,” Newlon said.
While Hyde acknowledged the birds can be messy and destructive, he said he hopes they remain in the area.
“The peacocks are one of the things that make this area so wonderful,” Hyde said.
Newlon said it will take a few months to work out details with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
After that, the city commission will meet again for further discussion and a vote.