State environmental officials are investigating after a large number of dead crows were found behind a grocery store in the Town of Wallkill.

Viewers shared images showing dozens of dead birds in trees and on the ground near a retaining wall behind the Price Chopper on Schutt Road. Officials say there may be close to 100 crows in the area.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says it was notified on Jan. 29 and collected several birds for testing. Wildlife experts say the deaths appear consistent with avian flu, which continues to spread among wild birds across New York.

Local officials say crows frequently congregate behind the store because of nearby dumpsters, which may explain why so many birds were found in one location.

The DEC is urging the public not to touch sick or dead birds and to keep pets away from the area. Anyone who encounters groups of dead birds is encouraged to report it through the state’s online avian influenza reporting system.

Wallkill officials say they've been instructed by the DEC to let the birds decompose naturally.