Wildlife officials investigate geese guttings in Draper

DRAPER — Wildlife officials are investigating the killing of numerous geese found gutted along a road in Draper.

Authorities say the birds are federally protected and it is illegal to capture or kill them without a permit. Goose hunting season doesn’t start until October.

Draper police say they found at least nine geese along 700 West about 3 a.m. Wednesday.

A Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conservation officer says he does not believe the geese were killed where they were found. Their necks had been broken and a preliminary exam of one bird revealed what could be pellet holes.

Wildlife officials could not say if poachers were to blame or whether the geese were dumped or fell from the back of someone’s truck.

Anyone with information is urged to contact wildlife officials.