BIG PINE KEY, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating recent attacks on brown pelicans in South Florida.
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The Florida Keys Wildlife Rescue said the throats of brown pelicans are being slashed deliberately from the tip of the beak to the throat, making it impossible for their pouches to hold fish.
The birds are being found with the large pouches used to catch food almost entirely cut through. Wildlife Rescue officials said the pelicans are left unable to hunt and swallow their food, leaving them to starve to death.
About four injured pelicans in Summerland Key and injured nine pelicans in Cudjoe Key were spotted flying around, officials said. Officials are asking the public to report any sightings of injured pelicans.
Pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Anyone injuring the birds is subject to fines and possible jail time if found guilty, according to the Florida Keys Wildlife Rescue.