Exploding birds plague Richmond, California neighborhood as residents plead for Pacific Gas and Electric Company to help
Share this @internewscast.com

RICHMOND, Calif. — A troubling enigma has emerged in Richmond, California, where locals report a significant number of birds dying suddenly after perching on a specific stretch of power lines.

“It’s very traumatic,” local resident Maximilian Bolling said. “They just quickly explode, and it’s really violent.”

Video footage from a resident’s Ring security camera recorded a loud bang, followed by a bird plummeting to the ground as shocked onlookers reacted. The repeated “bang” is likened by residents to a BB gun or firecracker, occurring with increasing frequency.

Community members note that this issue began a few months back, resulting in at least 13 bird casualties. A nearby resident, who lives across from the problematic power lines and could not be interviewed, mentioned discarding several birds in her trash bin lately.

MORE: Starving brown pelicans turning up in strange places around Bay Area and beyond

“It was just horrifying,” resident Sharon Anderson said. “I didn’t even know what was happening at first.”

Bolling says he believes a missing protective seal or insulator on the power lines may be to blame.

Despite repeated reports to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, residents say little has been done.

“They looked up from the ground and said it was fine,” Bolling said, expressing frustration that crews have not made more of an effort to inspect the wires more closely.

ABC San Francisco affiliate KGO reached out to PG&E, who says it is investigating the issue.

MORE: Police say decapitated animals discovered in Fremont were sheep, but not investigating as crime

The resident who lives across from the power lines says she also filed a report with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the meantime, neighbors have posted signs on poles warning of the danger and urging witnesses to document incidents.

With fire season approaching, some fear the strange deaths could spark something even more dangerous.

“It’s cooler and wetter now, but if it happens in the summer, it could easily catch fire,” Bolling said. “We want this to be solved before that happens.”

Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
‘Ruthless’ Actor Derek Dixon Speaks Out on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry: “I Couldn’t Stay Silent Anymore”

Actor Derek Dixon Breaks Silence on Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Tyler Perry: “I Had to Speak Up”

Derek Dixon, most recognized for portraying Dale in Tyler Perry’s shows Ruthless…
Fire-spewing instruments on display in Brooklyn

Fire-Breathing Art Installations Light Up Brooklyn Gallery

Shooting off pyrotechnics at a concert may be nothing new, but a…
Boeing settles with a man whose family died in a 2019 crash in Ethiopia

Boeing Reaches Settlement with Man After 2019 Ethiopian Crash that Killed His Family

The tragic 2019 crash claimed the lives of all 157 passengers, including…
Missing teen surfer found alive on remote island miles from shore: 'Didn't give up hope'

Teen Surfer Rescued Alive on Remote Island After Being Missing: ‘Never Lost Hope’

A surfer who disappeared after heading into the ocean on Wednesday afternoon…
Live Aid 40th anniversary: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on concerts from Philadelphia, London

Celebrating 40 Years of Live Aid: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates, and Bob Geldof Share Their Memories of the Philadelphia and London Concerts

NEW YORK — Forty years ago, the iconic Live Aid concerts set…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 6 shot, 1 fatally, in gun violence across city, police say

Weekend Shootings in Chicago: Gun Violence Leaves 6 Injured and 1 Dead, According to Police

CHICAGO (WLS) — Police have reported that at least six people have…
Motorcycle crash on Route 45, north of Dada Drive, leaves 1 dead in unincorporated Gurnee, Illinois: Lake County Sheriff's Office

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Route 45 Near Dada Drive in Unincorporated Gurnee, Illinois: Lake County Sheriff’s Office Reports

UNINCORPORATED GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — A motorcyclist was killed in a north…
Portrait of Samantha Lewthwaite wearing a black hijab.

Fugitive ‘White Widow’ Samantha Lewthwaite Reportedly Continues to Support Terror Financing Efforts

The infamous ‘White Widow,’ a British terrorist connected to 400 deaths and…
Trump’s visit brings hope and unity after deadly flood, Kerrville residents say

Kerrville Residents See Hope and Unity in Trump’s Visit Following Devastating Flood

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS – Residents of Kerrville who gathered along the roads…
What You Need to Know

Essential Information You Should Be Aware Of

Michelle Pfeiffer has bravely called out Bill Gates for his ties to…
'Bachelor in Paradise' bartender Wells Adams reveals contestant drink requests

‘Bachelor in Paradise’: Bartender Wells Adams Shares Favorite Drinks of Contestants

They’re old-fashioned. “Bachelor in Paradise” bartender Wells Adams revealed the drink requests…
Trump announces new tariffs on Mexico, EU to begin Aug. 1

Trump Reveals Upcoming Tariffs on Mexico and the EU Starting August 1

Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States’ biggest trade…