Officials investigate geese shootings

PINEHURST, N.C. — Wildlife officials say someone is killing federally protected birds in Pinehurst. Two Canada geese were shot last month on a pond surrounded by homes in the Village of Pinehurst subdivision.

Bird watcher Robin Myers has watched the birds glide across the pond for the past 10 years in the area. She uses binoculars to get a better look at the ducks and geese.

“It is devastating,” said Maureen Horansky, president of the Animal Advocates of Moore County.

Horansky believes someone may have been trying to keep the birds off of their property.

“You don’t have to kill a federally protected goose to save your law,” Horansky said. Instead, to keep away geese, she suggested planting high grassy weeds, which geese don't enter for fear of snakes.

Canada geese, which are not in season right now, are federally protected under the Migrant Bird Treaty Act. State wildlife officials said a person that kills one of the birds could face up to a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail per violation.

The person that shot the geese in the Village of Pinehurst could also face charges of firing a weapon in a residential neighborhood.