CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. (WAVY) — Nearly 300 dead birds have been found near Cape Hatteras on the Outer Banks, and wildlife experts believe the bird flu could be to blame as officials work to confirm those test results. The incident was first reported Feb. 26, and by March 7, North Carolina’s Wild life Resources Commission responded to Cora June Island, where they found hundreds of dead birds. “They saw approximately 292 dead brown pelicans, 66 dead gulls, one dead loon, and one dead duck, unfortunately," said Miranda Turner, a biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Among those taking notice is Peggy Eubank, who works at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and is known to lead bird walks on Pea Island. She said that while she was aware of the situation, it was outside the jurisdiction of the National Wildlife Refuge. “It was on state property, not park service or official wildlife," Eubank said. "And so, we weren't dealing with it.” Wildlife officials sent samples from the scene to a disease lab at the University of Georgia for testing. “We have received a preliminary positive that those carcasses did have highly pathogenic avian influenza," Turner said. "Now, those samples are going to be sent to the national lab for confirmation. ... And now they are sending it to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, which I believe is located in Ames, Iowa. And they will give us a confirmation on whether or not those birds had avian influenza.” According to Turner, the avian flu first emerged in 2012, becoming endemic—meaning it is here to stay. “It's now permanently in our wild bird populations," Turner said, "but we are expecting to see cases of avian influenza every fall and winter.” The virus can be transmitted to humans, though experts say such cases are rare. “We've had, I think, approximately 77 cases in the U.S. in humans," Turner said. "All of these cases have been due to contact with domestic animals, though. So those dairy cows that you may have heard that contracted the strain influenza or poultry such as chickens or ducks.” For those who witness a struggling bird, it can be a difficult sight. “It's hard to watch," Eubank said. "If one is here and he's actually dying, it's hard to watch, but it is just the way life goes. People die, birds die.” Officials say the best course of action is to report dead birds to wildlife authorities and avoid handling them. ...read more read less