Public Notice: Loon Lake Waterfowl

On Sunday, Nov. 20, Department of Natural Resources enforcement and wildlife staff responded to reports of numerous waterfowl that were found dead on Loon Lake in the City of Waseca.

Enforcement staff collected samples of deceased waterfowl for diagnostic testing. Those laboratory results are still pending. However, area wildlife managers suspect disease as the cause of death. At this point, it is unknown if it is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

There are about 100 Canada geese that have died on Loon Lake and more than 25 mallards. Several hundred Canada geese are continuing to use Loon Lake.

DNR wildlife staff will continue to monitor the situation. Collection of any new carcasses will depend on disease confirmation, wildlife health program guidance and ice conditions.

At this point, we urge the public to stay off the ice. DNR ice safety guidelines state at least 4 inches of new, clear ice before venturing out on to frozen water bodies.  Additionally, DNR wildlife managers are recommending that for now, anyone that has domestic birds such as chickens, turkeys or pet birds to avoid the area.