Rodents, Beach Homes & the Alabama Beach Mouse: What Guests Should Know

Staying near the beach means enjoying beautiful sand, dunes, wildlife, and a more natural coastal setting. It also means we share the area with creatures that call this environment home.

While an occasional insect can happen in coastal homes despite regular pest control and cleaning, rodents are different. Guests should not see mice, rats, or evidence of rodents inside the home. If you notice anything concerning during your stay — such as droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds, or an actual sighting — please let us know right away.

Photos are always helpful if you are able to safely take them. We never want guests to assume we already know about an issue. Quick communication allows us to address concerns promptly for your stay, future guests, and the long-term care of the home.

What About Outside?

Because The Lou is located in a natural coastal area, it is possible to see mice, rats, or other small animals outside near dunes, vegetation, trash areas, or sandy spaces. If you notice activity outside the home, especially near trash or anything that may attract wildlife, please let us know.

Please also help us by keeping trash secured and outdoor areas tidy. Simple steps like closing trash lids, not leaving food outside, and cleaning up after beach days go a long way in keeping the property comfortable and protecting the surrounding environment.

Please Do Not Use Rodent Poison

Guests should never place rodent poison, bait, traps, or chemicals outside the home. If you see something concerning, please report it to us so it can be handled properly.

This is especially important in Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores because the area is home to the Alabama beach mouse, a federally protected endangered species. Poison intended for rodents can harm protected wildlife directly, and it can also harm other animals indirectly when predators eat poisoned rodents.

Owls, hawks, foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife are part of the coastal ecosystem. Using poison outdoors can create risks far beyond the animal it was meant to target.

The Alabama Beach Mouse

The Alabama beach mouse is a small, nocturnal mouse that lives in coastal dune habitats along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. It may be small and rarely seen, but it plays an important role in the dune ecosystem by feeding on seeds and helping support the natural beach environment.

Because the Alabama beach mouse is endangered and protected, it is important that guests respect dune areas, avoid disturbing wildlife, and allow any pest or wildlife concerns to be handled through proper channels.

If you are lucky enough to see one outside, enjoy the rare glimpse from a distance and let it be.

You May See Other Wildlife, Too

Fort Morgan has a quieter, more natural coastal feel than many busier beach areas. That is part of what makes it special. From time to time, guests may see birds, foxes, coyotes, turtles, beach mice, or other wildlife nearby.

Please observe wildlife from a respectful distance, keep food and trash secured, and contact us if anything appears unsafe or concerning.

Thank you for helping us care for The Lou and protect the beautiful coastal environment that makes Fort Morgan such a special place to visit.