Pelican on Highway in Point Mugu Rescued by CHP Officers, Good Samaritans

POINT MUGU, Calif., May 4 (KNN) — Officers from the California Highway Patrol Ventura Area office responded to reports of a pelican obstructing traffic on Pacific Coast Highway near the Thornhill Broome Beach Campground shortly before 12:30 a.m. Sunday.

Good Samaritans who spotted the bird stayed at the scene to prevent vehicles from striking it until the CHP arrived. Upon arrival, officers successfully herded the pelican off the roadway and onto the shoulder for safety.

The pelican appeared disoriented or possibly suffering from an unknown ailment. Ventura County Animal Services was subsequently called to the scene.

When the animal control officer arrived, he used a blanket to safely capture the pelican and placed it in his vehicle. Off-camera, he mentioned that he would attempt to transport the bird to a seabird rescue organization based in Ventura. The officer noted that if the pelican is affected by the toxic algae bloom currently impacting local beaches, there is a chance it could be rehabilitated.

No further details are available at this time.

Gabriel Pabon, Video Journalist / KNN