Ensigns arrested, linked to bird deaths

[unhappycamper]

Ensigns arrested, linked to bird deaths
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff report
Posted : Friday Feb 20, 2009 16:57:35 EST

Four recent Naval Academy graduates were arrested Sunday in Florida in connection with the shooting deaths of endangered birds, according to a news release.

The four were among seven people arrested that evening as they walked out of a wildlife area near Naples after an officer from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission heard gunshots.

Wildlife officials later found 21 dead birds nearby, including tree swallows and cormorants, which are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Ensign Joseph Gursky, 22, and Ensign Cullen Shaughnessy, 22, both naval flight officers, were charged with felony trespass with a firearm, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Wildlife officials also charged Ensigns Alexander Wilhelm and Mark McClure, both 24 and pilots, with misdemeanor trespassing, officials said.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/02/navy_deadbirds_022009w/%2e