Kraig Pakulski / Friday, March 20, 2026 / Categories: Regions, California; Santa Barbara County Pelican Rescue Surge Hits Santa Barbara SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A growing number of pelicans are turning up in distress along the Central Coast. The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network team is seeing a spike in starving and dehydrated birds across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. More than 30 pelicans have been rescued in just the past two weeks, along with other struggling seabirds. "We’re seeing birds come in extremely weak and in need of urgent care, and we’re asking the public to report them right away," said executive director Ariana Katovich of Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network. The cause is still unclear as rescue teams work to care for the birds and track what’s behind the surge. For more information on how you can support the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, visit: https://www.sbwcn.org/. The post Pelican Rescue Surge Hits Santa Barbara appeared first on News Channel 3-12. Previous Article Lawmakers reckon with question of special treatment at airport security amid DHS shutdown Next Article Overnight Lane Closures on Highway 192 in Montecito Set for Thursday, March 19 Print 14 Rate this article: No rating Tags: NewsSanta Barbara - South CountyTop StoriesVideoVentura CountyCaliforniaLifestyleCommunityVideosAnimals Please login or register to post comments.