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Reward offered for shooting of grizzly, cub
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May 22, 2012 |
A hiker came across the carcass of a nursing
female grizzly on Hall Mountain in northern
Boundary County last Friday, May18, and further
investigation into the shooting turned up a
carcass presumed to be her cub, also shot.
A reward of $10,000, a combination of fderal
funds and donations, is being offered for
information leading to the conviction of whoever
is responsible.
The killings, according to U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service officials, does not appear to
be accidental.
Both USFWS and Idaho Fish and Game are
investigating, and both carcasses, which appear
to have been dead for several days when they
were discovered, have been flown to a federal
lab in Ashland, Oregon, for necropsy and to
gather any forensic evidence.
Black bear season is currently underway, but
even if the shootings came about as a result of
mistaken identity, something investgators
consider doubtful, whoever's responsible won't
be off the hook, as it is illegal to shoot any
bear with cubs.
Shooting a grizzly, which are listed as a
threatened species under the Endangered Species
Act, carries a penalty of up to one year in
prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Anyone who may have information related to these
shootings is encouraged to call USFWS, (509)
928-6050, Idaho Fish and Game, (208) 769-1414,
or Idaho Citizens Against Poaching,
1-800-632-5999. Callers may remain anonymous and
still collect the reward if the information
provided leads to the arrest and conviction of
the person or persons responsible.
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