Information sought regarding suspicious pelican deaths

January 14, 2015

 

Photos available on FWC Flickr site: Go to https://flic.kr/s/aHsjBAae65

 

Information sought regarding suspicious pelican deaths

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking information regarding the injuries and deaths of approximately six pelicans in the Florida Keys. In the past few weeks, pelicans with slit throat pouches have been turning up on Cudjoe Key and in areas from Sugarloaf Key to Big Pine Key.

The FWC asks anyone who has information regarding these incidents to call its Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com. People with information may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Brown pelicans are fish-eating birds that skim the water and collect fish in their large throat pouches. The throat injuries prevent them from swallowing and can ultimately lead to them dying of starvation. The brown pelican is protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and as a State Species of Special Concern by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.