Dogs suspected of killing 34 native seabirds on Kauai

HONOLULU (AP) - State wildlife officials are investigating after more than 30 native seabirds were found dead on the south coast of Kauai.

Biologists with the Department of Land and Natural Resources said dogs are believed to be the culprit in the recent killings of the Wedge-tailed shearwaters.

“Unfortunately though, unless someone saw the attack and identifies the dog, it is very difficult to definitively prove,” said biologist Thomas Kaiapkapu with the department’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “This is why we need more citizen monitors to help us protect and care for these vulnerable birds in their habitat.”

The 34 birds, which are ground nesters, were found dead in the seabird colony at Spouting Horn in the Lawai area, KHON-TV reported (https://bit.ly/1NIiami).

The carcasses have been taken to undergo an autopsy to determine an exact cause of death.

The recent incident follows multiple attacks on Kauai’s native birds by dogs and cats over the years, said Kaiapkapu.

“DLNR again urges Kauai communities to ensure that dogs are not allowed to run loose, which is a violation of both state and county laws,” he said. “We have been given authority by local landowners to do some dog trapping, which we hope will lead us to the responsible dog owners.”

Wildlife managers are meeting with Kauai Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement to address the situation and discuss ways to prevent future recurrences.

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Information from: KHON-TV, https://khon.com