Orphaned ravens recovering

Orphaned ravens recovering Someone cut down a tree where ravens were nesting, what are possible penalties? Alana Everson reports.

Two Sudbury area women are speaking out about what they call a “crime against wildlife.”

Anne Belanger made a shocking discovery in an area close to city-owned Centennial Park Campground in Whitefish.

A tree with a huge raven’s nest in it was cut down by a chainsaw, leaving a couple of baby birds orphaned.

"I was horrified, and I just could not believe it. And I had to think of taking care of the babies, so that was my priority." said Belanger.

She was advised by the Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre to create a makeshift nest for the two babies in hopes the family would reunite.

She called her friend Rose Latendresse to help.

"I ended up going to Southview Gardens on Kelly Lake Road and purchased a medium-sized coco basket, and it worked perfect for the two little raven babies." said Latendresse.

They hung up the makeshift nest with the little birds in a nearby tree and aimed a motion-wildlife camera at the basket to see if there was any activity from the parents.

"When the whole taping was reviewed, there was absolutely nothing. We knew that we could not leave the babies here because they have to be fed regularly and it's unsafe. So, they were taken to Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre." said Belanger.

The city and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry confirm they are investigating.

Anne Belangerurges anyone with any information whatsoever, to call Crime Stoppers.

“To cut down the tallest tree here, with this huge nest in it that has been here for so long. I am just appalled by what people can do and how cruel they can be.” said Latendresses.

Ravens are specially protected birds under the Fish and Wildlife Act.

The penalty for destroying a nest ranges from $200 to $25,000 and can also include a year in jail.