KENSOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of dead birds are washing up on the shoreline of Lake Michigan due to bird flu, according to one leader of a Chicago-based group monitoring the situation. 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) animal experts are aware of these birds washing up on Wisconsin beaches. The DNR is still investigating if these animals died due to bird flu and did not give a total number of birds discovered with the virus as they work on gathering that data. 

Since last Thursday, January 30, seven red-breasted mergansers, who come to this part of the country during the winter, were admitted to WHS suspicious of bird flu, according to a spokesperson. All of those ducks were discovered near Lake Michigan as other dead birds make their way to shore.

Annette Prince with the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors says they are finding the virus in geese, eagles, hawks, and owl populations in recent weeks. She's been disappointed to see this many animals die this way. 

"We go out of our way to protect these birds, many of the geese that I’ve seen that have been sick are probably geese that have been rescued at other points in the year and now we’re seeing them die from the bird flu," Price said. “It’s been really hard.”

Bird flu is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in birds of many species and can also spread to some mammals. Although rare, bird flu is transmissible to humans. Experts warn pet owners walking their pets near Lake Michigan to watch their animals and make sure they don't go near any dead birds that wash up on the shore.

WHS took in sick birds from various locations along Lake Michigan, including Cudahy, Oak Creek, and as far north as Fox Point.

CBS 58 crews found dead birds at Simmons Island Beach in Kenosha on Wednesday, Feb 5. Officials with the DNR clarified they could not confirm that those birds died of the virus at this time.

If you find a sick or injured bird, please call the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 414-431-6204.

Symptoms of HPAI in birds include neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination; nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing; and diarrhea.

If you find a deceased bird, please contact the DNR.