Environment and Climate Change Canada officials are investigating reports of dead and dying seabirds showing up in a number of locations along the northeast coast of Newfoundland and parts of Labrador.

Department officials say while the exact number of affected birds is not confirmed, reports range from tens to hundreds at various locations.

Reports of dead or dying turres and dovekies have been received from southern Labrador including Mary’s Harbour, and some unconfirmed reports around Black Tickle.

More birds have been reported in the area of White Bay including Seal Cove and Hampden and along the northeast coast from Fogo Island, Twillingate, Deadman’s Bay and Cape Freels.

The Department says it will take several weeks to conduct the necessary test to determine what’s killing the birds. Samples are being sent to outside agency labs to narrow down the potential cause of death.

In the meantime, the department is advising that dead, injured or sick birds should not be touched and should be immediately reported to the Wildlife Emergency number at 685-7273.