The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is investigating the deaths of two pelicans that were found in the White River on Monday, a spokesman said.
Keith Stephens said the agency, which has the birds’ bodies, was contacted by fishermen who discovered the pelicans. He added that he was not sure of the “exact location” where the animals were found.
“They will be sent to our veterinarian in Little Rock, who will send them on to a diagnostic lab where a veterinary pathologist will examine them,” Stephens said.
According to the spokesman, a cause of death would be determined after a necropsy was performed, and the agency is not sure the birds were shot.
Stephens said it is illegal to shoot pelicans, as they are a migratory bird, not a game bird.
The animals migrate into Arkansas but will leave as the weather turns colder, the spokesman noted.