Pelican Found Shot in Soda Springs

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking information about the shooting of an American white pelican in southeast Idaho. On Thursday, September 17, Nathan Stohosky, Fish and Game conservation officer stationed in Grace, responded to a call about an injured pelican seen wandering in the vicinity of Valley View Drive in Soda Springs. Stohosky found the bird with a bullet wound in its left wing and one on the top of its back, likely from a .22-caliber gun. Idaho Fish and Game would like to remind the public that American white pelicans have state and federal protections. Fish and Game has received permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to haze pelicans and use limited lethal control of these birds as part of a management strategy to reduce predation on fish in the Blackfoot Reservoir. These activities are carried out by authorized personnel with specific federal permits and protocol. "People know we are trying to conduct pelican hazing efforts here in this area," Stohosky said. "But that fact does not give the public free reign to engage in the same activity. Shooting at or otherwise harming pelicans by the general public, including destroying pelican nests and eggs, is unlawful." Anyone with any information about the shooting or any other wildlife violation is encouraged to contact Nathan Stohosky at 221-4513 or the Caribou County Sheriff's Office at 547-2561. Callers may also provide information anonymously to the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999.