State wildlife officials are investigating reports of dead birds at the Weston Town Center, a shopping destination.
Birds were seen flailing on the ground at the shopping center, and several birds were in a cardboard box not moving, in footage that WPLG-Ch. 10 obtained from a bystander.
An investigation began late Wednesday afternoon when the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation was notified of the “possible poisoning of birds and small animals at a restaurant in Broward County,” said Arielle Callender, agency spokeswoman.
By late Thursday afternoon, “preliminary information indicates that no dead birds or other wildlife have been found at this location,” she said.
The state agency did not provide comment or an update Friday.
A spokesperson for the Argentinian restaurant Graziano’s located inside the shopping center told WPLG-Ch. 10 that it hired a third party to address what they called a bird infestation, but the restaurant was told it would be safe and humane.
South Florida Wildlife Center Medical Director Charlotte Cournoyer told WPLG that “those birds were passed a point of intervention.” Cournoyer told the station that one bird had died by the time it arrived to the hospital.
City officials had sounded the alarm for the public’s help.
Weston City Hall posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: “We are aware of the reports of dead or dying birds around the Weston Town Center. The incidents are being investigated by the FWC with help from BSO. If you spot dead or dying birds, please report them to the FWC. Do not attempt to dispose of the birds.”
Steven James Harner, attorney for the shopping center’s property manager, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Thursday: “We’re cooperating fully with the investigation.”
Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at . Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash
