Posted on 12/10/2019 9:31:47 PM PST by UMCRevMom@aol.com
Las Vegas is a place where you learn to expect the unexpected — but one recent discovery has even locals surprised.
Facebook user Bobby Lee originally posted the video that has people either in stitches or up in arms, according to the New York Post: Apparently, at least two pigeons in Las Vegas are wearing little red cowboy hats.
The sight is amusing — pigeons wearing hats? How ridiculous is that? But of course, the concerning bit is how the hats got there and why they're staying put — something Mariah Hillman with the animal rescue Lofty Hopes is pursuing.
"At first, I thought, 'Oh my god, that’s cute!' " Hillman told KVVU-TV. "And then, I was like, wait a minute — how did they get those hats on there?"
Though many couldn't care less about the fate of these "sky rats," Hillman has a soft spot for them, likens them to homeless people and has made it her mission to educate the public on these misunderstood critters.
"We rescue racing pigeons, wedding release doves, and feral pigeons," the Lofty Hopes "About" page on Facebook reads. "We rehab for adoption or release based on their needs. We do not condone breeding."
"It is our intent to inspire the community, to create the resources allowing community members to get involved in promoting humane treatment of pigeons by building community programs, educational opportunities, and partnerships across the nation. It is our mission to act as an advocate to ensure these war heroes their legal, moral, and ethical consideration and protection."
Concerned about the birds and how the hats might cause issues for their wearers, Hillman and her daughter have set out to locate the pigeons and see if they can help them.
"Did they glue them? And what does that mean for them?" Hillman told KVVU. "Is it something that's going to impede their flight or attract predators?"
"I looked all over the area, contacted the founder and gave him my number, as well as other businesses in the area asking them to call if they see them again and feed them until I arrive," Lofty Hopes posted on Facebook. "I'm only 3 miles away so fingers crossed."
Others have spotted them since the original sighting, and it seems as if Lofty Hopes is still hoping to find the birds. Until then, they're doing their best to get the word out.
"We drove up and down here yesterday for a good two hours just handing out business cards to any location where I saw pigeons and people," " Hillman said. "If you see these birds, just feed them until I get here. I'm only 3 miles away and I'll come trap them."
The birds in the video don't seem too perturbed by their fashionable gear. Domesticated pigeons often wear identification bands and plenty of wild pigeons seem to get along well enough with bigger inconveniences like a missing leg, but it is a little worrying that someone clearly had no qualms gluing (or somehow otherwise permanently affixing) items to animals.
If you happen to be in the area and spot these unique birds, you can message Lofty Hopes to let them know.
ALSO:
https://nypost.com/2019/12/09/pigeons-spotted-wearing-tiny-cowboy-hats-in-vegas/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4TcnOOMalY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oI_gDCm38g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X_Xn6ayfQg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4hN4_YE400
Las Vegas. Red hats. Trump supporters! Is America Great (again) or what?
Geeze...don’t imply that or liberals will start kicking them to death!!!
They look fabulous! What’s the problem?
I have a few questions. Where does one buy pigeon hats, and are they available in black, ‘cause that’s always stylish.
All I see is squab.
I don’t think they mind. I mean I put socks or bootys on my dog and she goes nuts to take them off. Same if I put my hat on her. They look bad ass.
I personally like the pigeon MAGA hat theme. They can spread the word in parks, on statues, barns, and wherever else pigeons crap. Cowboy hats to boot. Winning, I love winning.
I think Jeffrey Epstein did AFTER he didn’t hang himself.
I wanna know if they actually have cattle.
I live in Vegas. They are definitely sky rats. I can’t grow grass because they immediately eat the seeds.
Mamas don’t let your pigeons grow up to be cowboys!
Roof Rats-all hat, no flock!
Too bad they weren’t wearing MEGA caos
Okay. I’ll take a stab at it. Is it Willie Nelson? Or maybe Waylon Jennings? Doctors or lawyers would know. :)
Exactly
I remember reading about study that found that male birds that had been banded (researchers had place a band on the birds leg) had more success breading.
The females had found them more attractive mates.
Obviously, these people are entirely oblivious to the fact that pigeons are an invasive species.
Pigeons should be irradiated.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.