Brown Pelicans Found With Slit Pouches in Florida Keys

Wildlife officials in the Florida Keys say more than a dozen brown pelicans have been found with their pouches slit.

The Miami Herald reports that in recent weeks the pelicans were found in Summerland Key and Cudjoe Key. This follows an incident in December 2013 where several pelicans were found with their pouches slit in the lower Keys.

May Totman of the Florida Keys Wildlife Rescue says the attacks had eased since the 2103 cases. She says it's a mystery as to why anyone would do this.

Brown pelicans are found in coastal areas across Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating. The pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and anyone who harms them will face fines and jail time.