Florida Business Owners Accused of Using Mothballs Against Birds

WHO:

NY Post - Two business owners from St. Pete Beach are involved in the case.

WHAT:

Fox News - The business owners allegedly scattered 1,500 toxic mothballs on the beach.

Fox News - The action was intended to stop black skimmers from nesting.

Fox News - The business owners are facing felony charges.

WHERE:

NY Post - The incident occurred on a beach in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

WHY:

Fox News - The business owners allegedly wanted to scare off endangered birds.

HOW:

NY Post - Mothballs were scattered on the sand as a method to deter the birds.

(UPDATED August 9, 2026 08:10 UTC)

Two business owners from St. Pete Beach, Florida, are facing felony charges for allegedly scattering 1,500 toxic mothballs on the beach. This action was reportedly intended to deter black skimmers from nesting, as the owners sought to scare off these endangered birds. The incident has raised significant concern due to the environmental impact of using such harmful substances on the sand.