Mothballs Poison Shorebird Nesting Spot in St. Pete Beach

0:00Someone dumped mothballs all over a prime shorebird, nesting spot in St. Pete Beach, Florida, right before black skimmers show up to nest around May. First, these birds are protected, and they lay eggs straight on the sand, so any mess like this hits hard. Mothballs pack pesticides, men for closets, not beaches. They release nasty fumes in the open air and poison wildlife. Volunteers hustled out their Monday, spending hours picking them off the sand to protect the area. Moths are fired up, with environmental groups calling it straight sabotage during nesting season. It risks not just the birds, but the whole ecosystem, plus beachgoers, and kids who might think those balls are candy. Local businesses like Twisted Teaky and Suncoast Water Sports are chipping in for a reward to catch whoever did it, and more my join. Residents are labeling it disgusting and ridiculous. The city's teaming up with state wildlife experts for the investigation. If you know anything, hit up the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

1:01Commission to help keep these beaches safe. Local news, powered by AI. This is Tampa Bay News today.