Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Some Jerk Is Shooting Birds With Blow Darts
A mallard pierced by a blow dart in Newport Beach (Photo courtesy of Newport Beach Police Department)
()
At least four birds with blow darts pierced through their neck have been seen around Newport Beach and now authorities are seeking help in catching the culprit responsible. Three Heermann's gulls and one mallard recently pierced by the roughly eight-inch long, arrow-like projectiles have been identified by animal control officers, according to the L.A. Times. The maimed birds are still able to fly, and authorities have been unable to capture them to treat their injuries.
Newport Beach police believe the darts, which have an orange flight at the end, were probably fired from a blow gun. Police haven't been able to identify who is shooting the birds, but it is illegal to possess, sell or shoot a blowgun in California, and state and federal laws prohibit anyone from intentionally harming birds.
()
One of the Heermann's gulls injured by the blow darts (Photo courtesy of Newport Beach Police Department)
Over a dozen Newport Beach residents have reported seeing injured birds in the area, beginning on January 9, reports the Long Beach Press-Telegram. But authorities haven't been able to confirm if there are other injured birds or the same four have been spotted repeatedly.
Support for LAist comes from
Anyone who spots an injured bird is urged to call the Newport Beach Police Department’s non-emergency line at 949-644-3717. And anyone with further information about this particular case is asked to contact animal control Officer Nick Ott at (949) 644-3688, ext. 2716, or nott@nbpd.org. Tips can be reported anonymously.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist