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Harris’s Hawk killed near Catalina.
TUCSON, Ariz. – The third hawk illegally killed in Tucson area since Sept. 7 was discovered Sunday, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief is offering a $250 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
The Harris’s hawk was found in the Canyon Del Oro wash in Catalina after apparently being shot in the head approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday near North Lago Del Oro and East Wilds Road.
“This is the third time since early September that a poacher has stolen wildlife from the citizens of Arizona by illegally killing a hawk,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. “These acts are crimes against state as well as federal laws.”
Illegal take of wildlife is punishable by up to a $750 fine and six months in jail under state law. Violations of the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act are punishable by a maximum fine of $15,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.
Individuals with information about the case are asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, anonymously if need be. They should reference OGT#16-003653. Information may also be provided on-line at http://www.azgfd.gov/ogt_form.shtml.
Rewards are also being offered for information in the case of a Cooper’s hawk was found dead, Sept. 28, at Purple Heart Park near south Houghton Road and east Rita Road, and in connection with the illegal killing of a Cooper’s hawk with a dart on or about Sept. 7 near Picture Rocks.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has trust responsibility for managing more than 800 native wildlife species – the most of any inland state – for current and future generations of Arizona citizens. http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/northamericanmodel.shtml
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