Division of Support Operations
Protected Species
The most common protected species that are found on school properties are Burrowing owls and Gopher Tortoises. Both of these species are protected under state and federal law and it’s prohibited to harass, disturb their burrows or relocate them without a permit. Owls are commonly found on our schools in southern Palm Beach County and they spend most of their time on the ground where their sandy brown plumage provides camouflage and they build their nests underground to protect themselves from natural predators such as snakes and hawks. They love to nest in athletic fields where they have a full 360 degree view of predators.
Sometimes ECS has to relocate the owls when they are in a construction area or an athletic field. To learn more about Burrowing Owls, click here: Burrowing Owls
Gopher Tortoises are considered a threatened species and are found in well drained sandy soil areas with low growing vegetation on some of our school properties. These tortoises also live underground and sometimes their existing burrows are used by the owls (not at the same time). They must be relocated before any land clearing may occur, so ECS has obtained permits in the past for construction activities. For more information about Gopher Tortoises, click here: Gopher Tortoise
