Reward Offered in Alaska Caribou Massacre

July 30, 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 more than 100 caribou near Point Hope, Alaska in early July.

The Case:

According to published media reports, investigators found 120 caribou carcasses scattered along a 40-mile trail east of Point Hope. Calves were left orphaned and some were still trying to nurse from their dead mothers nearly two weeks later. Troopers with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have identified five suspects from Point Hope but think there could be many more. They are asking for help from the public to track down the people responsible.

"This brutal case showcases the callous nature of poachers and their often flippant participation in a serious crime," said Andrew Page, director of the wildlife abuse campaign for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Alaska Department of Fish and Game 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 Alaska Wildlife Safeguard hotline at (800) 478-3377.

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.