Wildlife Officials Wonder What’s Killing Pelicans In St. Pete

Officials are trying to figure out why pelicans are dying in St. Petersburg.

The dead birds have been turning up since last Wednesday and the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is caring for another 14 pelicans that are alive but lethargic and paralyzed.

spokeswoman Barbara Walker tells the Tampa Bay Times no one has an official count because several animal rehab facilities are treating the sick birds.

Meantime, the city's public works department and the are teaming up to solve the mystery. In a news release, city officials say they've tested the water and are pursuing more extensive testing. Wildlife officials are also conducting necropsies.

Some wonder if the bird kill is connected to an ongoing red tide algae bloom.

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