Several pelicans found scalped at Skyway fishing pier Multiple reports of scalped pelicans. (Source: wwsb) By ABC7 Staff | February 15, 2021 at 6:37 PM EST - Updated February 15 at 6:37 PM
MANATEE Fla. (WWSB) -An investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is underway after several reports of scalped pelicans found at the Skyway south fishing pier.
The Friends of the Pelicans, Inc Facebook group shared several photos in a post about the pelicans they have found injured on the pier in the last few weeks. A photo shared on the Friends of the Pelicans Inc FB page shows injuries sustained by one of the seabird. (Source: Friends of the Pelicans, Inc.)
FWC looking for tips regarding scalped pelicans near Skyway pier
By Briona Arradondo
Briona Arradondo reports
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rescue groups say someone is deliberately scalping pelicans by the Skyway fishing pier, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the crime.
Friends of the Pelicans take care of pelicans around the pier, but recently rescuers discovered more sinister injuries. They have had literally very specific shapes carved into their forehead area, literally like a knife, a clean edge and no other wound around it, said Kim Begay, vice-chair of the Friends of the Pelicans, Inc.
Begay and other rescuers took photos of graphic injuries, ranging from scalping to clipped wings.