SCARBOROUGH (AP) — Officials in the Maine town of Scarborough said they are cooperating with a federal investigation into whether the town bears any responsibility for the death of a piping plover chick at Pine Point Beach.

The shore bird was killed by a dog on the beach last month. Piping plovers are considered an endangered species in Maine and other states, and a threatened species in much of the country. Experts estimate only a few dozen pairs exist in Maine.

Town Manager Tom Hall told the Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/143rTd3 ) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating. The town could face penalties depending on the outcome of the probe.

The bird’s death has prompted discussion of whether dogs should be allowed on Scarborough beaches during the nesting period for piping plovers.