Pelican Wanders Into Holmes Beach Publix, Rescued by Wildlife Officials
A young pelican caused a stir along Florida’s Gulf Coast after it was seen lingering outside a Publix supermarket in Holmes Beach before walking through the store’s front entrance.
The unusual encounter unfolded at the grocery store on Anna Maria Island, just west of Bradenton. Video captured the bird standing near the entrance as if waiting for handouts before confidently making its way inside. Witnesses reported that the pelican appeared calm around shoppers and seemed to be searching for food.
Wildlife experts say the behavior is consistent with that of a bird that has been fed by humans before. When pelicans become accustomed to receiving food from people, they can lose their natural fear and begin associating busy public places with easy meals.
The pelican was safely removed from the store and transported to Wildlife, Inc., a rehabilitation center in Bradenton Beach, for evaluation. The organization reminded residents and visitors that feeding pelicans is illegal in Florida and can create dangerous habits that put the birds at risk.
Officials continue to urge the public to admire wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding animals, which can disrupt their natural behaviors and increase the likelihood of future incidents.
