Wildlife officials are trying to figure out why more than 100 brown pelicans have died over the past two months in central Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported Thursday that the dead pelicans have been found in an area between Melbourne and Merritt Island.
FWC researchers are assessing specimens and the environment for information that can help identify a potential cause.
FWC said they sent samples two weeks ago to the National Wildlife Health Centers. But so far there is no conclusive answer. Officials are now waiting for results from additional samples sent this week.
“The pelicans are emaciated and have heavy parasite counts, and, to our knowledge, other bird species have not been affected,” said Dan Wolf, an FWC researcher.
Wildlife officials say it's not advisable to handle sick or dead birds. And they ask people to report any dead or sick pelicans to the wildlife agency's hotline at 888-404-3922.
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