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A White pelican with arrow in its bill has eluded capture for nearly a week. IBBRC and other wildlife experts hope to capture it soon. Larger image (Photo © Andrea Kirk) |
Wildlife capture specialists from International Bird Rescue Research Center (San Pedro)
are joining forces in an attempt to rescue a juvenile American White Pelican near Lake
Balboa in San Fernando Valley are of Los Angeles, shot in the bill by an arrow. The archery arrow pierced the upper and lower portions of the bill,
sealing the bird’s mouth shut. It has been this way for over one week.
This white pelican, shy by nature, is still able to fly and has evaded capture efforts by animal
activists and wildlife agents. Over the next two days, wildlife experts from IBRRC will be
monitoring the bird‘s behavior and devising a capture plan.
The Humane Society of The United States and others have teamed up with IBRRC to offer a $6,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who shot this federally protected bird.
Like all migratory birds, the American white pelican is federally protected by the U.S Fish &
Wildlife Services and is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department
of Fish & Game. At one time, this species nested on large lakes throughout California. Today,
colonies are only found along the Oregon border. These pelicans visiting the Sepulveda basin
area are wintering migrants.
Once captured, the young bird will convalesce at IBRRC’s marine bird facility in San Pedro.
With luck, a serial number on the arrow will help investigators find the person who owns the
blue and red arrow. A reward is being offered by an anonymous bird advocate for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Signs are
being posted at the nearby Woodley Park Archery range.
Rescuers are asking the public for their help in not scaring the bird off. Approaching this
animal any closer than fifty feet could cause it to leave the area. The public is urged to
phone in their observations of the bird’s location or information to a number exclusively
devoted to this bird’s rescue – 831-869-6241.
Please contact:
Rebecca Dmytryk for IBRRC. Cell: 831-869-6241 or call IBRRC's San Pedro Bird Center: (310) 514-2573.
IBRRC has specialized in the rehabilitation of waterfowl and aquatic birds since 1971 and manages two wildlife rehabilitation centers in California as part of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network. The phone number for IBRRC in Northern California is 707-207-0380. In Southern California the number is 310-514-2573. More information and directions to the centers can be found at http://www.ibrrc.org/. Donations to help pay for the cost of caring for the birds may be sent to IBRRC, 4369 Cordelia Road, Cordelia, CA 94534 or on through the donation page on the website. |
