Overview
- Residents of Richmond, California, report birds falling dead from power lines after loud popping sounds, with some describing the incidents as resembling explosions.
- Necropsies conducted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found injuries consistent with pellet guns, BB guns, or slingshots, ruling out electrocution as the cause of death.
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has confirmed its equipment complies with avian safety standards and shows no evidence of electrocution-related fatalities.
- Security footage captured birds falling after the sounds, intensifying local concerns, and some residents remain skeptical of the projectile theory, citing firecracker-like noises.
- Wildlife officers and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating the incidents, with residents continuing to demand answers and safety assurances.