‘Unfortunate event’

More than 125 birds, (100 Canada geese, 25 mallards) were found dead on Look Lake last week. The estimated number is expected to increase as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to determine what is responsible. 

Michelle Carstensen, in charge of wildlife health at the DNR said there is little cause for concern, saying it’s just an “unfortunate event that can happen in wildlife.” 

Samples of the birds were taken to the University of Minnesota for testing and preliminary results indicate that the most likely cause for unexpected die-off is pneumonia, caused by Aspergillosis, a fungus found in moldy grain. Carstensen speculates the birds might have been feeding in an area where the moldy grain was available and succumbed quickly to the infection. 

The DNR is still working on confirming the theory and finding the source of the infection. In the meantime, it’s important to know what to do any time a dead animal is found anywhere. 

Do not interact with sick or dead wildlife, including keeping pets away, and allow DNR officials to take care of the dead animals. 

DNR wildlife officials are recommending that anyone who has domestic birds (chickens, turkeys or pet birds) should avoid the area. The public is asked to stay off the ice due to current ice conditions.