Endangered State Nene Bird Killed on Haleakalā Road

Photo courtesy: Haleakalā National Park.

By Wendy Osher

Officials at Haleakalā National Park on Maui are asking motorists to drive with extra caution following the death yesterday of an adult nēnē goose on park roads.

Park officials say the endangered nēnē was part of a breeding pair.

The loss comes despite signs placed along the park’s road in areas where nēnē have been seen recently.

Motorists traveling to the park are asked to drive slowly and cautiously, especially during bad weather when visibility is compromised.

Photo courtesy: Haleakalā National Park.

Unlike other birds, park officials say nēnē do not flee when approached by cars.  According to authorities, some visitors feed the nēnē from their cars, creating a dangerous association between food and automobiles.

The National Park Service reminds the public to follow speed limits on the winding road to the summit, and to refrain from feeding the nēnē.