BIG PINE KEY, Fla. – The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whomever is responsible for slashing pelicans throats throughout South Florida.
So far, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has investigated 14 cases of brown pelicans in South Florida who have had their throats slashed, 10 of which have died.
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All 14 pelicans were found in the area of Cudjoe Key and in the areas from Sugarloaf Key to Big Pine Key.
Wildlife authorities said pelicans use their pouches to skim the water to collect fish, and slashing their throats causes them to starve to death.
These latest incidents are the last in several attacks against pelicans in South Florida in recent months, including two attacks in January.
The FWC and a local construction company are offering an additional $1,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to call to call the Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-FWCC.
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