Recently, a disturbing discovery at a beach in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, has sparked a wave of concern and speculation. Numerous dead birds—many of them decapitated—have been found along the shoreline, raising questions about what, or who, is responsible for the grisly scene.
Initial rumors suggested the birds were chickens abandoned after a Jewish religious ritual, but this claim has been proven false. These birds are not chickens, and there is no connection to any ritual practices.
However, this hasn’t stopped the incident from gaining attention, with numerous people weighing in on social media and speculating about the cause.
The Facebook page for Scan Atlantic City, which first brought attention to the issue, has been flooded with comments ranging from plausible theories to outlandish conspiracies. Among the more grounded explanations are reports of natural predation by local birds of prey.
Predatory Birds: A Natural Explanation
Local officials and some residents have suggested that the beheadings could be the work of hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey that are known to frequent the area.
Atlantic City Councilman George Tibbitt commented on the situation, stating, “It’s the eagles, hawks, and ospreys. I used to find them on the casino roofs all the time. There is a family of eagles on Lakes Bay.”
This theory is not without merit. Hawks and other raptors are known to occasionally eat only the heads of their prey, leaving the bodies behind. These birds are highly skilled predators, and decapitation can occur as a result of their hunting techniques. Hawks, in particular, have been observed engaging in this behavior. A similar situation was reported years ago when headless birds were found in backyards across Egg Harbor Township, believed to be victims of predatory birds.
A Closer Look at the Situation
While predatory birds may be the most likely explanation, seeing so many beheaded birds at once is still unusual. The sheer number of dead birds found—anywhere from 16 to 20 in one area—raises the possibility that other factors could be at play.
Some residents have raised concerns about possible environmental factors or human interference, though there is no concrete evidence to support these theories at this time. Authorities may need to conduct further investigations to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a larger issue.
Social Media Speculation
The Scan Atlantic City Facebook page has become a hub for comments ranging from legitimate concerns to wild speculation. One post from AtlanticCity911, which included photos of the decapitated birds, asked whether there might be “bizarre rituals happening at the dog beach at night,” further fueling rumors. Although many of these claims are unfounded, they reflect the confusion and unease that the discovery has caused among locals.
There has so far, been no official statement from any environmental or governmental agencies.