A rescue team from WildRescue and IBRRC captured another beer can collared gull today in San Francisco. The gull had the can removed from its neck and was released.
This is the third bird captured with a cut beer can secured to its neck. This gull was captured at San Francisco State University. The can was removed and the bird had only minor feather damage to its neck. The gull was released quickly back to the wild.
There have been multiple sightings of birds flying around with these neck collars. A $6,500 reward for information leading to an arrest has been in place since November. One bird was rescued last month at Lake Merced and another in Half Moon Bay.
“This is a federal crime punishable by severe fines, imprisonment, or both,” says Rebecca Dmytryk, with WildRescue, the group spearheading this effort. The US Fish & Wildlife Services, who administrate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act under which this act is punishable, has been alerted to these incidents.
WildRescue asks that instead of attempting to capture the birds, which can make them more wary and harder to catch, sightings should be reported immediately by calling (831) 429-2323 or emailing rescue@wildrescue.org.
Media report:
Gull freed of beer-can collar – more need help: San Francisco Chronicle
You guys give me faith in humankind. I'm hoping to spread the word: http://birdsandlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/things-i-am-grateful-for-today.html
Thanks Vanessa. We appreciate your kind words.
Every bird matters to us and we believe they should to all.
I'm very encouraged to learn that somebody is finally doing something about this. I'll be on the look out next time I'm in Half Moon Bay. Thank you IBRRC and WildRescue!
This makes me sick to my stomach. That said, I've been repeating this to myself all day. Been that kinda day. So, even though some are cruel enough to harm these gentle creatures, remember this…When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it–always.
Mahatma Gandhi