Reward Offered in Colorado Bear Poaching Case

August 11, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally killing a bear in Trinidad, Colo. in late July.

The Case:

According to a published media report, Colorado Department of Wildlife officers were notified by residents that a large bear was sleeping in their yard. When an officer arrived at the scene, he discovered that the bear had been shot and killed.

The 425-pound bear was found dead between Colorado and Kansas Avenues on the evening of July 28. The Colorado DOW is asking for help from the public to track down the person or people responsible.

"Poaching is not only callous and irresponsible, but it's also a crime that all too often goes unpunished," said Holly Tarry, Colorado state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Colorado Department of Wildlife for strongly enforcing anti-poaching laws."

Poaching:

Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.

The Investigators:

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Colorado Department of Wildlife Operation Game Thief hotline at (877) 265-6648.

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

Since its founding in 1993, the Wildlife Land Trust has worked with private landowners to create 99 permanent wildlife sanctuaries where recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited. In addition, the Wildlife Land Trust works in collaboration with a variety of partners to protect many other vulnerable lands to benefit wildlife. Proud of its affiliation with the Humane Society of the United States, the Wildlife Land Trust joins in campaigns to protect wildlife from cruel and indefensible practices such as poaching, steel-jawed leghold traps, Internet hunting and canned shoots.