Several dead pelicans discovered recently in Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes died from natural and accidental causes, according to an investigation by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
LDWF’s Enforcement Division launched an investigation Feb. 19 when it was notified of several dead pelicans in Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes. One of the pelicans was found stuck to a water level gauge. Agents retrieved that pelican and another dead pelican in the surrounding area then brought them to LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge for necropsies, the equivalent of autopsies performed on humans.
The necropsies found no illegal activity associated with the pelican deaths.
The pelican found hanging from the water level gauge in the Caernarvon Diversion area in Plaquemines Parish accidentally hooked its pouch on a protruding screw. The pelican then broke its neck trying to free itself from the screw, according to the LDWF veterinarian
The other pelican, found floating in shallow water, died from severe parasitism and emaciation.
During winter, mortality rates in juvenile brown pelicans can be high. Young pelicans are not as good at fishing as mature pelicans and have higher rates of parasites. Young pelicans also have little to no fat reserves for the colder months and can die from hypothermia and malnutrition.
Due to these naturally occurring events, the LDWF Enforcement Division is closing the investigation pending further evidence that would indicate the birds were illegally killed.