The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is probing the shootings of seven nationally protected birds at two central Illinois parks. One of them is an Osprey which was shot at Kickapoo State Park. It survived and is being treated at the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic.
IDNR says five American White Pelicans were found shot to death at the Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Jasper County. A sixth pelican survived and is also being treated at the U of I clinic.
Conservation officers say both of the birds that are still being treated were shot in the neck. They are protected under the Migratory Species Act.
Anyone who has information on who might be responsible for the shootings is asked to contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
