Mysterious cat cut-outs have been placed on two empty plots in Cape Coral, Florida, apparently in an attempt to scare away rare burrowing owls living there.
Wildlife experts believed the unusual measure may have been taken to prevent more owls from settling on the plots. Local volunteers said six fake cats were placed near an owl burrow on one of the plots. Both plots were recently sold, and experts were of the view that the new owners may have adopted the method before starting construction work to stop more owls from moving in.
Cats are the main predators of these owls, which may explain the use of the cut-outs to frighten them.
The burrowing owls in Florida are specially protected under federal law. It is strictly illegal to disturb or remove their burrows without permission from the relevant authorities.
Volunteers with a wildlife protection organisation said people were taking extreme measures to protect their plots.
The organisation appealed to residents to keep their pet cats indoors to help protect the rare birds.
