City of South Haven Urges Residents to Report Dead Birds

The City of South Haven is urging residents to report dead birds they encounter as they say that the area is experiencing a "wild bird die-off".

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The city says that any "significant die-offs" should be reported to the Michigan DNR so that they can be aware. You can either make the report online or by calling the Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.  A "significant die-off" is defined as being six or more wild birds.

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In addition to residents reporting the dead birds that they encounter, the City of South Haven will also be keeping an eye on public beaches for deceased birds and will remove them. If you find deceased birds on your own property, it is your responsibility to remove them properly.

How to Handle Dead Birds on Your Property in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has guidelines for residents who encounter deceased birds on their property, especially considering the current outbreak of avian flu in the state.

According to MDARD, you should never handle a deceased bird with your bare hands. They suggest either wearing gloves or using an inside-out plastic bag to pick up the bird. You should always wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

If you are willing to hold onto the bird until the DNR or MDARD can collect it for testing purposes, they ask that you freeze it or keep it as cold as possible.

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If it is not going to be collected for testing, you can dispose of it by either burying it or throwing it in your trash.