UPDATE: The Carson City School District responded to requests for comment with the following statement:
The district adheres strictly to the law, proper school governance and sound employment practices. Consistent with policy and legal requirements, the district does not comment on personnel-related matters.
Original:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed there is an open investigation regarding the recent intentional destruction of a protected Canadian goose nest, a federal and state crime, which allegedly occurred just a few days after World Migratory Bird Day.
Just two years ago, “Mother Goose” made the news at Fritsch Elementary School after students and staff were surprised to discover a goose family had set up a nest on the playground. The area was fenced off and the school embraced their new tenants with a number of activities relating to the spontaneous educational opportunity.
However, when the goose (or perhaps a different family checking out the area, having heard about the warm treatment) returned earlier this month, they received a much different welcome.
According to the information provided to Carson Now by several tips we received, a school district official allegedly came onto school grounds during school hours with her dog and her husband and decided to take care of the “issue” herself.
Allegations state the official used her dog to chase off the goose before she destroyed the nest, “stomped” the eggs, and threw the remains in the garbage.
We have received multiple tips naming the district individual; however, NDOW could not speak directly to the facts of the case as it is still under investigation, and so until the investigation is made public and/or criminal charges are filed, we will be withholding the name.
Bird Law
Canada geese and their nests are protected in Nevada under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to destroy, move, or disturb them without a federal permit.
The Nevada Legislature added it to our own legal code in 1969, which remains unchanged today.
If found guilty, an individual who willingly destroys an active nest in the state of Nevada faces a Migratory Bird Treaty Act misdemeanor for unlawfully pursuing/taking a protected migratory bird’s nest and eggs under 16 U.S.C. § 703, punishable under 16 U.S.C. § 707(a) by up to $15,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail.
Nevada also makes taking a federally protected nest and/or eggs a misdemeanor offense, which carries a fine of between $50 and $500, and up to 6 months in jail.
This is a developing story. We have reached out to the district for comment on whether or not the district authorized removal of the nest and had a permit to do so, but historically they have been barred from discussing any employee investigations or disciplinary matters. We will update with any additional information they provide.
NDOW has asked for anyone with information relating to the investigation to contact them directly. You can do so you through the NDOW TIP app, which can be downloaded from the iPhone App Store or Google Play Store, or by calling the hotline at (800) 992-3030. However, an NDOW spokesperson said the app is preferred because submissions are anonymous and are sent simultaneously to their game warden lieutenants and dispatch.
