He bragged that he was a wanted man in Florida for tackling a pelican. Hunter Hardesty thought no one could get him, so he posted video on Facebook (cuz of course) of his animal exploits. Maryland state troopers arrested him.
Hunter Hardesty jumped into the water and held the pelican in his hands with a big smirk on his face. His off camera friend was laughing and laughing.
The pelican is a federally protected bird.
The bird fought back, even pecking Hardesty in the face. He responded to comments on FB with “Next time ima eat him for dinner!! Wonder what they taste like.”
Monroe Sheriff Rick Ramsay said he contacted FWC (Fish and Wildlife Control).
“He will be held accountable for this attack on wildlife,” Ramsay posted on FB. “Thanks to everyone who provided help with the video, identification and where he lives.”
It's against the law in Florida to even try to attract a pelican. Law states:
“The intentional feeding or the placement of food that attracts pelicans and modifies the natural behavior of the pelican so as to be detrimental to the survival or health of a local population is prohibited”
He will be extradited to Florida.