'Drunk' birds wreak havoc on Minnesota city

Minnesota authorities released a statement on Tuesday after multiple Gilbert residents called to complain about seemingly inebriated birds that have been menacing the city.

Gilbert Police Chief Ty Techar wrote on Facebook that he received about a dozen calls about "birds that appear to be under the influence, flying into windows, cars and acting confused."

Techar assured concerned citizens that the birds' behavior was not the result of one too many tequila worms at the local pub — nor will their pesky antics last for very long.

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The chief explained that the city experienced an early frost this year, expediting the fermenting process in berries, which produces alcohol. Since the birds have not yet flown south for the winter, they are still around to feed on the fermented berries once they thaw, which causes them to actually become drunk.

Laura Erickson, a Duluth birding expert, told Minnesota's Pioneer Press that waxwings, robins and thrushes are often the most prone to become tipsy, as they commonly feed on mountain ash berries, which were affected by this year's frost.

"Birds actually do get literally intoxicated when they eat berries that have started fermenting, and that does lead to drunken behavior," she told the outlet. "It's par for the course at this time of year, but some years we have a much bigger, more noticeable fallout than other years, and this year's is pretty impressive."

Luckily, Techar says that, much like people, the birds will sober up after their berry bender and stop harassing unsuspecting townsfolk.

"There is no need to call law enforcement about these birds, as they should sober up within a short period of time," Techar wrote on Facebook.