Officials Probing Deaths of Local Birds

Test results are pending on 22 ducks and geese found dead last week at the pond of a northwest Columbus housing complex. State wildlife officials are trying to find out what killed the birds found at the Bethel Commons condos and Island Club apartments. Officials say during cold weather, the animals huddle close together, and if one of them has a disease, it can spread quickly. Tainted seed laid out for the birds is also a possible cause of death. The animals are protected under the federal migratory bird act.