BAR HARBOR — Acadia National Park officials are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying individuals accused of violating a wildlife protection closure set to safeguard nesting peregrine falcons.
The incident occurred on July 24 at 11:06 a.m., when park rangers were notified of three people climbing the east face of Champlain Mountain, an area with restricted access due to the falcon nesting season.
The Precipice Trail, which scales the mountain, is subject to seasonal closures to minimize disturbances to the falcons, which are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Witnesses described the first suspect as a male with shoulder-length dark wavy hair and facial hair, followed by a woman with dark curly hair.
The National Park Service has released a photo capturing the suspects in the act, hoping that someone will recognize them and come forward with information.
Disturbing the falcons during nesting can have severe consequences, including the abandonment of chicks by adult falcons, leading to hypothermia, starvation, or predation.
The park service emphasizes that the closures are well-marked and publicized to ensure visitors are aware.
The National Park Service is asking anyone with information or who was in the vicinity of the Precipice Trail on that day to contact them.
Tips can be submitted anonymously via their hotline at 888-653-0009, online at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, or by emailing [email protected].
In case of emergency, individuals should dial 9-1-1.
