Feral Cats
In 1993 the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau alluded to knowledge of 110 local feral cat colonies, each with approximately 10 member cats. These figures hint at the existence of 1100 known wild cats 16 years ago. Given that un-spayed females are capable of having up to 3 litters of 5 kittens a year, it is likely that colony numbers have grown steadily since then. In addition to being a general nuisance by redistributing packaged garbage, these cats are known killers. The Bermuda Audubon Society presented findings that a single feral cat can eat "as many as 3,600 native animals per year." Of particular concern is the increased pressure these cats put on Bermuda's endangered species. The endemic Bermuda skink and Eastern Bluebird are struggling to survive without the mounted threat of unchecked predator breeding.
The Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau stands alone in its efforts to address the feral cat issue. The charitable organization has established a trap, sterilize and release program in the hope of curbing colony reproduction. Unfortunately, as no legislation currently mandates pet sterilization, household cats can contribute to the problem by bearing feral offspring. To further complicate matters, the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau announced in 2008 that it was suffering from a financial crisis, with monthly deficits of $20,000. Even with the efforts of the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau, feral cat colonies continue to grow. The loss of this charity would allow populations to spiral out of control. This would put sustained pressure on Bermuda's ecosystems, and is likely to result in the elimination of endangered Bermuda skink and Eastern Bluebird communities.