Jewell County game warden Mike Peterson says he found the federally protected birds shot to death in Lovewell Reservoir on Friday.

Peterson believes the birds were all killed at the same time. The pelicans are currently migrating through the reservoir, which is along the Nebraska border.

The Salina Journal reports the pelicans are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and those who shot the birds would be subject to fines and jail time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jewell county game warden at 620-450-7190 or call Operation Game Thief at 877-426-3843.