Dead pelicans wash ashore with possible human-caused injuries (NC)

[Donna]

Someone operating a white speedboat Thursday afternoon might be responsible for killing several brown pelicans that washed ashore, according to police in Carolina Beach. Nine dead pelicans with obvious injuries were found on the beach near the town’s pier between 2 and 4 p.m. Thursday, said Carolina Beach Police Chief William Younginer.

The pelican deaths appeared to have been intentionally caused by a boater, he said.

“We had a report that somebody on the pier saw a speedboat, kind of a white boat with a center console, go between two shrimp boats and hit six of them,� Younginer said. “It appeared they did it on purpose.�

Younginer said he notified the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and the wildlife agency is investigating the incident.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services monitors the population of brown pelicans, which used to be listed as an endangered species but was delisted because of a recovery in the species’ numbers, according to the agency’s website.

But pelicans are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal for anyone to kill or harm them or to attempt to do so.

In January, 10 injured pelicans washed up on several Brunswick County beaches. Their wings had been broken in the same places, and a shorebird rehabilitator said at the time that it appeared humans were involved in the injuries.

Anyone with information about the Carolina Beach case is asked to contact the Carolina Beach Police Department at 458-2540.

[Bobbie Ireland]

You know, just how fast do we have to be these days! With everything! I am told my computer is "too slow" - ya think?! Too slow for what - that's my question. It gets there, as do I. No, I am not an old fogey about things, but I wonder: What's the rush!?

And if these boaters "did it on purpose" - Shame! Shame! Aren't these poor creatures having enough trouble with the oil spill?!

I am beginning to think my "signature" on this site should be I despair!

[MAK]

    The devastation of the oil spill on the pelicans was the first thing that came to mind when I read this. I seriously believe that the only way for this planet to survive is peopleless! Except for the natural occurences that will destroy it.   

[rssport]

What has become of humanity? 

[Bird Crazy]

  :viking:there are days when I am ashamed to be human.

If these monsters are even human. I still say they are human looking mutants lacking something vital. Compassion, empathy (maybe their souls are warped) but something is seriously wrong with these freaks.