Tarpon
The silver king still roams the river. The early residents were drawn here with the allure of catching huge tarpon just minutes from their dock.

Alligator
Although feared by some, these creatures can be seen swimming in the river and in the canals.

Bobcat
These cats are commonly seen. They are probably responsible for keeping the rabbit population at bay.

Night Heron

These are our neighborhood beggars. They have grown accustomed to handouts and will walk right up to you and demand food.

The Harbour Heights Civic Association has an Environment Committee, headed by Barb Graettinger. The purpose of the Harbour Heights Environment Committee is to help raise community awareness about the issues that affect the the natural environment in and around Harbour Heights.

Current issues:

Water quality of the Peace River

• Phosphate mining upriver may have impact on our part of the Peace River
• The Peace River is used for drinking water by Charlotte and Sarasota counties. What effect does the removal of billons of gallons of fresh water have on the Charlotte Harbor estuary.
• Biological pollution resulting from septic systems

Habitat

• Scrub Jays, gopher tortoise, manatee, and bobcat are a threatened species - how can we balance their need for habitat and the continued development of the vacant land and the increased use of the river for recreation.

Florida Scrub Jay
Harbour Heights is a bird sanctuary with a good population of Florida scrub jays.

Gopher Tortoise
Throughout the undeveloped areas of Harbour Heights, tortoises thrive.

Manatee
These water mammals are seen year 'round in the river and our canals.

Osprey

Osprey are some of the best fishermen around and can be seen eating their catch atop trees, antenna, and masts.