Autopsy determines cause of death for geese

Geese found dead in the Mud Lake and Market Lake Wildlife Areas died from phosphine gas.

Approximately 335 snow and Ross’s geese were found dead by wildlife managers in mid-March, Idaho Fish and Game reported.

An autopsy of the birds tested positive for phosphine gas, confirming the deaths were caused by some form of phosphide.

It unknown what the source is that caused the birds to develop the gas.

This is the second year in a row migrating geese were found dead in the Mud Lake and Market Lake Wildlife Management Area.

In March 2015, more than 2000 birds were found dead.

Idaho Fish and Game said they are working with the Idaho Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to educate those who handle phosphide products about how it can affect area wildlife.