The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is reporting a surge in sick brown pelicans throughout Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. 

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network has treated 82 brown pelicans since April 23. The pelicans are dehydrated, emaciated, are appearing confused and being found in unusual places, according to Rachel Mattovich, the communications manager.

The cause is still under investigation, but it has been determined that it is not the avian influenza, Mattovich said. 

This isn’t the first time the county has seen an influx of sick pelicans. In May of 2022, the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network reported caring for 230 sick brown pelicans in just a two-week period.

The symptoms are similar to those in 2022, but veterinarians are seeing more pelicans with a cough, which was not a symptom seen two years ago. There is also more of a mix of ages among the sick pelicans than in 2022. 

Mattovich said that in the past week they’ve seen more brown pelicans with hook and line injuries from fishing, which indicates that the pelicans are looking for food in places that they normally wouldn’t. 

If anyone sees a sick pelican, they can call the wildlife helpline at 805-681-1080. Individuals can also donate here to the Wildlife Care Network to support the purchasing of food and medicine for the pelicans.