The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the shooting deaths of three American white pelicans along the Snake River just upstream from Red Wolf Crossing Bridge at Clarkston.
The birds were found in shallow water Monday on a spit where they frequently forage. They were killed with a small-caliber rifle, and wildlife officials believe the crime occurred within the previous few days.
White pelicans are a protected species under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and killing one warrants federal gross misdemeanor charges. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will take the lead in any prosecution. Pelicans are also listed as a threatened species by the state of Washington.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at (509) 780-9843. (LMT, National Audubon Society)
