MAYPORT, Fla. – There was no evidence of injuries inflicted by humans to 12 pelicans found injured and emaciated in Mayport late this past winter, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Investigators performed necropsies on the ones that died.
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Residents in the area said they started seeing the dead birds in January.
VIEW (WARNING: Graphic images): Photo 1 | Photo 2
All pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which subjects anyone caught hurting the birds to fines and possibly jail time if they are found guilty.