Pelican population soars in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the pelican population is soaring. Pelican sightings have been increasing throughout the state for the past several years according to biologists.

There are many theories about why the pelican population is increasing. Some people believe that it is due to the ban on hunting and fishing for pelicans that was enacted in 2007. Pelicans had been hunted for their feathers and meat, but now they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Others believe that the pelican population is increasing because of the increase in food sources. There has been an increase in the number of fish in Louisiana's waterways in recent years, and pelicans are opportunistic feeders who will take advantage of this abundance of food.

Whatever the reason for their growth, the fact that Louisiana's pelican population is booming is good news for these beautiful birds.

Tens of thousands of pelicans expected to arrive in Gulf Coast this winter

Each year, tens of thousands of brown pelicans make their way to the Gulf Coast to escape the cold weather. This winter, experts say even more pelicans are expected to arrive.

"This is definitely the biggest influx we've seen in a while," said Kevin Duffy, a biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The main reason for the increase in pelicans is that there has been an abundance of food in the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana and Texas both have large fisheries, which provide an ample food supply for the birds.

Gulf Coast residents can expect to see large flocks of pelicans flying overhead or perched on docks and piers. The birds will stay until it starts to warm up again in the spring, typically returning to their northern homes by April or May.

Pelican invasion forces birds from their roosts

For bird-lovers, autumn is a time of watching and enjoying the wide variety of birds that visit during migration. But this year, there has been an invasion of pelicans in various parts of the country. The huge white birds with their long beaks are crowding out other varieties of birds, chasing them from their usual roosting spots.

While many people may enjoy seeing the pelicans, others are concerned about the impact they are having on other bird populations. Studies are currently underway to determine whether the pelican invasion is causing any long-term damage to native bird populations. In the meantime, both bird-lovers and non-lovers alike can enjoy watching these big beauties as they fly overhead or rest by the water's edge.

Louisiana declares state of emergency over pelican infestation

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in the state due to an infestation of brown pelicans. The birds have been attacking people and pets, and have caused extensive damage to property.

An estimated 300,000 brown pelicans are currently living in Louisiana, and the state government is working with federal officials to try to address the issue. Wildlife experts believe that the high population of pelicans is responsible for the aggressive behavior, and they are urging residents to keep their distance from the birds.

The state of emergency will allow government agencies to access additional funding and resources to address the pelican infestation. Officials are warning residents that additional attacks may occur as the birds move inland during the spring and summer months.

Pelicans blamed for drop in shrimp populations

Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has announced that the state's shrimp populations have declined due to the over abundance of brown pelicans. The pelicans, which were reintroduced to Louisiana in the early 2000s after being absent for decades, are now estimated to number more than 250,000.

"The brown pelican is a voracious predator of shrimp," said CPRA executive director Garrett Graves. "They're eating all the shrimp."

Shrimp populations have plummeted statewide by about 60 percent, according to the authority. The decline is especially severe in southwest Louisiana, where the bulk of the state's shrimp industry is located.

CPRA has proposed a $5 million program to cull the pelican population. The program would include shooting or trapping the birds and destroying their nests.

Not everyone agrees with CPRA's assessment of the situation. Some fishermen and conservationists say that there are other factors at play, such as climate change and water pollution, that are responsible for the decline in shrimp populations.

"This problem did not start when brown pelicans returned to Louisiana," said Jeff Dorson, head of the Humane Society of Louisiana. "It's disingenuous to scapegoat these beautiful birds for a problem that is much larger and more complex."