A Police Camera Monitoring a Nest Spotted a Crime

Police in Illinois say a camera placed to monitor a nest of Canada goose eggs ended up recording something unexpected: a suspected theft.

According to authorities, the device was set up to watch over a nest near a building by Golf Mill Mall. Instead of capturing the adult geese returning, the footage showed a woman approaching the nest Monday afternoon and taking the eggs. Investigators say she placed them into the pockets of a camouflage hoodie before leaving the area.

Animal Control Officer Allison Cole with the Niles Police Department said the eggs appeared to be only a few weeks away from hatching. At first, she considered the possibility that the woman might be working with a wildlife organization, but officials later determined that was not the case.

Under both the Illinois Wildlife Code and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Canada geese are protected. The laws prohibit harming the birds or interfering with their nests, eggs, or offspring without proper authorization.

Cole noted that situations like this can sometimes come down to a lack of awareness. In such cases, authorities may focus on educating those involved, though fines could also be issued if appropriate.