06/02/2026
Red Fred is very excited about the new signs on SanCap Road!
The long stretch of pavement that connects Sanibel and Captiva cuts through some of the most wild, undeveloped parts of the islands. As a result, collisions with wildlife are common here, right near our own campus.
We regularly admit patients that were hit by a car less than a minute from our hospital. We’re hoping these signs change that.
Red Fred (pictured) is an eastern indigo snake, a nonvenomous species that travels thousands of acres in the search for mates and food. Because of this far-ranging behavior, indigoes are frequently killed while crossing roads. The species has been extirpated from Sanibel and Captiva, meaning they are locally extinct, and researchers believe our roadways played a big part.
The loss of indigoes from Sanibel and Captiva was a loss for our ecosystem. These “Lords of the Forest,” as their Latin name translates, are apex predators who control the food web. They directly contribute to ecosystem health and the balance of biodiversity.
We’re looking forward to seeing the impact made by these new Wildlife Corridor signs. They have the potential to protect other species that regularly cross roads, like turtles looking for nesting grounds, low-flying owls, and hunting bobcats.
Thank you to Rachel Rainbolt for leading and presenting the work that led to the creation of these signs, not to mention the data collection provided by The City of Sanibel, Florida, local residents, SCCF, and staff here at CROW.