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People who disturb falcons can be ticketed by rangers
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WALNUT CREEK (AP) — State park rangers are trying to stamp out activity that could threaten peregrine falcon nesting sites in Mount Diablo State Park.

The San Mateo County Times reports that Mount Diablo rangers are writing tickets to visitors who enter the park’s Castle Rock area, which could disturb falcon nests.

Signs explain that the area is off limits between February and July, the birds’ breeding season, but park rangers say trespassers haven’t responded to verbal warnings.

The intruders are mostly teens and young adults who park officials say party and spray graffiti.

Rangers have already issued a few of the $500 tickets and stepped up foot and all-terrain vehicle patrols.

Adult peregrines are ferocious hunters that can dive at 200 miles per hour, but their eggs and chicks are vulnerable.