Two nests of piping plover, an endangered species, were vandalized over the Fourth of July in Old Orchard Beach and Saco.

The nest in Old Orchard Beach was disturbed when its enclosure was dismantled, causing a pair of adult chicks to flee the nest and temporarily abandon three eggs.

A fencing enclosure for the nest at Goosefare Brook in Saco was destroyed. That forced another adult pair and chicks to abandon the nest. One chick was found dead. Both incidents occurred overnight on Saturday, according to a statement from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The harassment or death of an endangered or threatened species can lead to state and federal charges resulting in fines of up to $25,000 and six months imprisonment, according to the statement.

Maine’s population has grown from 15 breeding pairs in 1986 to to 89 pairs in 2019. The species has benefited from the widespread implementation of management practices including installing symbolic fencing around nests, leashing dogs, posting caution signs, reducing predation and asking beachgoers to modify their activities near birds and fenced areas, according to the statement.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call 800-ALERT-US or 207-624-7076.