Richmond RCMP warn drivers to watch out for migrating snow geese after 23 birds killed

RCMPin Richmond, B.C., are cautioning drivers to be on the lookout for honking birds.

Arctic snow geese often spend the winter inthe city south of Vancouver, and police say they've been receiving reports of the wild birds being run over and killed as they prepare to migrate out of the province.

In a statement, Richmond RCMP Cpl. Ian Henderson said at around 5:40 a.m. PT Wednesday, police got a call about a large flock of geese near the intersection of No. 1 Road and Francis Road. Officers who responded discovered that three of the geese were killed after apparently being struck by a vehicle.

Two days earlier, on Monday, Feb. 13, at around 7:20 a.m., Mounties in Richmond received a reportof approximately 20 dead snowbirds on the roadway in the 6200 block of Blundell Road.

Richmond RCMP said they're working with the B.C. SPCA to try to determine what happened and who was responsible since so many animals were killed at once, and it appeared they had been run over by a vehicle.

"Every year at this time, we see large numbers of migratory birds flocking to our local greenways, fields, parks and school grounds," said Henderson."But they also move out onto nearby roadways."

"Drivers need to slow down and pay attention ... especially in poorly lit areas and during the early morning hours."

Henderson said police officers and City of Richmond crews were able to clear the roadway, and traffic warning signs were set up in the area.

RCMP saythere isn'tanyevidence thatsuggests criminal intent or a link between the two incidents.

But they've askedanyone "with information that may suggest otherwise" to contact the Richmond detachment or file an anonymous report with Crime Stoppers online or over the phone.

In an emailed statement to CBC, Clay Adams, Richmond's director of communications and marketing, also encouraged anyone who may have seen what happened to come forward.

Adams said the city is a popular location for snow geese due to their migratory patterns, and while they may pose concerns for some, the birds are generally accepted as a part of the diverse urban wildlife.

"To see so many killed in this manner is a sad and disturbing situation," he said.

"We understand an investigation into the matter is underway through the B.C. SPCA's Cruelty Division, in co-operation with the Richmond RCMP."