Chickens roaming around a residential neighborhood in El Centro remain free.

Despite efforts of El Centro Police and Animal Control officers, a flock of chickens, often seen in the 1200 block of Pepper Drive, have avoided capture. An attempt was made to corral the fowl Monday morning, but the hens flew away and avoided capture. Traps have been set in the area, but the cagey birds have refused to be enticed into them.