MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - A dozen Vermont clifftops and overlooks are temporarily closed to hikers to protect nesting peregrine falcons.
The cliffs will stay closed until August 1 or until the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department determines there is no longer a risk to the falcons, the department said.
“Peregrine falcons are very sensitive to human presence during their breeding season, so we ask climbers and hikers to please maintain a respectful distance from all nests,” state wildlife biologist Doug Morin said in a written statement. “The areas closed include the portions of the cliffs where the birds are nesting and the trails leading to cliff tops or overlooks.”
More areas could be closed as biologists visit sites to determine if they are occupied by peregrines, the department said.
“In many cases the lower portions of the trails remain open, and we encourage people to enjoy watching peregrine falcons from a distance with binoculars or a scope,” said Audubon Vermont conservation biologist Margaret Fowle.
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