To get into the incident town officials have asked the assistance from state and federal officials. According to North Topsail Beach Town Clerk and Public Information Officer Carin Faulkner, town employees have gathered approximately 25 dead pelicans from their beach over the past week. According to various reports several of the Pelicans were found with brutal injuries.
Faulkner said that she learned about the deaths in the town on the radio and contacted North Topsail Beach Police Chief Casey Fillinger and asked what was happening with the pelicans. She was also informed that the Fillinger had contacted the NC Wildlife Resource Commission and officers soon responded.
At a press brief Faulkner said that the Wildlife officers examined and took photo documentation of the pelicans. They admit the deaths were intentionally caused. Faulkner added that one of the Wildlife Officers said he believed that the pelicans are being killed in international waters and has requested assistance from several agencies including NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard to help with the investigation.
Expert said that the pelican wings were sliced open destroying the tendons and severing the muscles which allows them to fly. It appears that there is no indication it was an accident; it wouldn’t have made the tissue tear like that. In 2008 and 2009 there were similar cases of pelican deaths but the abuse ended once an investigation had begun.
