A pelican rescue group wants state wildlife officials to heighten patrols at the Sunshine Skyway's south fishing pier after more than a dozen mutilated birds were discovered over the past month in the area.
State officials say they are investigating the incidents.
The group, Friends of the Pelicans, says some 16 disfigured birds have been found since Jan. 9 on the Manatee County side of the bridge, which connects to Pinellas County along Interstate 275.
Some of the birds were discovered as recently as last week.
The group says it has managed to save all but one of the wounded birds.
