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Osprey chicks dying in baling twine across Montana

Posted: Aug 14, 2010 3:52 PM by Marnee Banks (KXLH-Helena)
Updated: Aug 14, 2010 4:19 PM


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Researchers at the University of Montana report baling twine entangles and kills about 10% of osprey chicks every year throughout Montana.

According to the Raptor View Research Institute (RVRI) and the Montana Audubon Society, osprey are flying over fields and picking up loose baling twine, which they then use the twine to adorn their nests.

Researchers say the flashy twine attracts the bird's eye and also makes the nest more comfortable.

But, in some cases, chicks are getting caught in the twine and dying.

RVRI President Rob Domenech says it's a problem that's easily solved. "Do everything we can to help that and clearly the baling twine is just a simple problem, it's widespread, it's deadly, but it's a problem that can be remedied with just a little bit of effort on our part," he explained.

Domenech says baling twine is a necessary ranching and farming tool and he isn't saying that people shouldn't use it; he simply wants people to be more careful and pick up the loose garbage on the ground.

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