The City of Bayonne says efforts to remove pigeons trapped inside the 8th Street and Broadway bridge structure have been set back after sections of protective netting were cut and birds were fed from the ground.

The city said its pest-control vendor, Ehrlich Pest Control, has been working to safely trap and release the remaining birds.

As of Saturday evening, five birds remained inside, and three more were released Sunday morning. However, crews later found evidence of bird feeding at the ground level and cuts in the netting, allowing additional birds to enter and bringing the estimated number inside back to about seven.

Officials said the damage was not caused by the city or Ehrlich. Photos and other evidence indicate people on the ground may have cut the netting.

The city is urging the public not to interfere by cutting the nets or feeding the birds, saying both actions allow more pigeons into the structure, prolong the effort and further endanger the animals.

Bayonne officials said the removal protocol is working and the goal remains to safely trap and release all remaining birds.

The situation follows previous concerns over pigeons trapped beneath the Bayonne bridge after bird-deterrent netting was installed. News 12 previously reported on the birds and concerns about their safety.