'It's our job to protect it.' Seashore bird protections may be connected to spray painting

The writing of “bird nazis” in purple spray paint on signs in the Cape Cod National Seashore and other vandalism of federal property in Provincetown is under investigation by park rangers.

The incidents started on June 15 and are continuing at Herring Cove Beach and the Wood End marsh trail bike rack. Linzy French, a visual information specialist at Cape Cod National Seashore, said in a statement the vandalism was found on multiple signs and vehicles.

Mary-Jo Avellar , the Provincetown representative of the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission, said Friday that “bird nazis” was likely in reference to shorebirds, such as piping plovers, that make the Seashore beaches their home.

Piping plovers are designated as a state and federal threatened species, according to the Massachusetts state website . There are four other species of threatened or endangered shorebirds in Massachusetts, all of which are protected under state law.

There have been off-road beach driving and walking trail closures recently due to protections for the nesting shorebirds. As of Friday beach access was closed off at the end of Snail Road, and the entire off-road recreational vehicle corridor was closed, according to the National Park Service website.

Last year there was a total closure of the vehicle corridor from June 5 to Aug. 8, according to the Seashore's annual report. Last year, the Seashore sold 3,364 off-road vehicle permits.

As of Friday, several Seashore beaches had seasonal or temporary pet closures to protect shorebirds as well.

'It's our job to protect it'

“You just had to put up with the fact that this wildlife is endangered, and it's our job to protect it,” Avellar said. “And it's part of the Seashore's mandate to protect it. And you know, and if people are going to act like that, I hope they get caught and go to jail.”

Avellar said she hasn’t seen any similar incidents in the past.

“There's always like an incident every once in a while, but nothing — I've never heard of anything like this,” she said. “And I think it's horrible. ”

Repairing these sites, if possible, is costly and time consuming. Defacing public land degrades the experience of other visitors, French said. French said visitors are reminded to respect any closures and park signs.

Park Ranger Michael Durnin was not immediately available Friday for comment.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 'It's our job to protect it.' Seashore bird protections may be connected to spray painting