Dozens of Shore Birds Killed After Truck Plows Through Flock at Port Canaveral; FWC Investigation Underway

FWC Reviewing Evidence, Video in Port Canaveral Bird Kill Case

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — Wildlife officials are investigating what they describe as a “disturbing and deliberate act” after a driver allegedly ran over a flock of shore birds at Port Canaveral, killing nearly 50 of them.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the birds were gathered near the Port Canaveral Cargo Dock when a truck drove directly through the flock.

Investigators said 35 birds were killed instantly, while 13 others were later euthanized due to catastrophic injuries. Only one bird is known to have survived.

Heather Pepe, co-founder and chief operations officer of Wild Florida Rescue in Melbourne, said her team responded to the scene and described it as devastating.

“All killed in an instant,” Pepe said. “They left 13 to suffer until they were put down or died. It was one of the hardest things we’ve seen.”

Pepe said the severity of the incident makes it difficult to believe it was accidental.

“How this person hit them though, even in the road — I don’t know,” she said. “They would have had to gun it.”

FWC officers collected evidence, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed the driver involved. Preliminary findings suggest the birds were resting in the parking area, possibly drinking from puddles after rainfall, when the truck accelerated through them.

“These animals… we see their souls,” Pepe said. “Their eyes were wide open, looking at us for help.”

The FWC confirmed that it will submit its findings to the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

Pepe, who has dedicated much of her life to wildlife rescue and conservation, founded Wild Florida Rescue in Brevard County alongside Matthew Buice to respond to emergencies involving injured or displaced wildlife.

Wild Florida Rescue, based in Melbourne, has been instrumental in aiding wildlife across Central Florida, and Pepe said the organization will continue to advocate for accountability in this case.

“We can’t bring those birds back,” she said, “but we can speak for them — and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released the driver’s identity.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or Wild Florida Rescue at their Melbourne office, 1270 N. Wickham Road, Suite 16 #218.

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