Man fatally shoots self protecting chickens from coyotes

A 67-year-old Michigan man fatally shot himself Monday in a hunting accident while trying to protect his chickens from coyotes, according to a statement from the Lapeer County Sheriff Department.

The man was found dead in a wooded area of his residence in Oregon Township shortly after 10:15 a.m. Monday.

The man had been hunting coyotes for about a week after hearing the animals and fearing they posed a threat to his chickens. The man fell from a tree stand while holding a loaded shotgun, according to the statement.

He was pronounced dead at the scene off Peters Road in Michigan.

The case remains under investigation. Foul play is not suspected, according to the sheriff's department.