Hundreds Of Pelicans Found Dead Or Dying Along The West Coast

January 7, 2009 8:16 a.m. EST

Monterey, CA (AHN) - Hundreds of brown pelicans are turning up dead along the West Coast from Mexico to Oregon, leaving wildlife experts scrambling to find out why.

More than 20 endangered brown pelicans in Monterey, Calif. have been stricken with the mysterious illness. The birds have been showing up in odd places and showing signs of dehydration and disorientation, according to local media.

Twenty five of the birds have been taken to the SPCA of Monterey County's Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center since Dec. 29.

Of the 25, seven have been euthanized and two have died from the illness, the Monterey Herald reports.

Weak and disoriented pelicans are showing up in people's yards and being struck by cars all along the West Coast.

Some of the birds show signs of domoic-acid poisoning, but some of the sick animals do not, the Orange County Register reported. Bird rescuers are also investigating whether the illnesses are being caused by washed-up contaminants from recent wild fires across southern California.