WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas wildlife officials say it will take weeks and perhaps months to determine why 30 federally protected egrets turned up dead in Wichita.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is trying to pinpoint what killed the birds last week in a residential area.

As the department’s law enforcement chief, Larry Hastings says uncovering what caused the deaths could take some time. He says the probe would entail interviewing people and finding any witnesses.
Hastings says the investigation likely will involve federal wildlife officials because of the birds’ protected status.

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, harming or disturbing the birds is punishable by up to $500 in fines or up to six months in prison.