Pets

$15K Offered For Information Leading To California Condor Killer

A condor died from the trauma of a gunshot wound near the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Officials this week announced a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for the person responsible for shooting and killing a California condor, an animal protected under California law and the federal Endangered Species Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which initially offered a $5,000 reward before it was tripled by the Center for Biological Diversity, said a condor died from the trauma of a gunshot wound near the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Kern County.

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“California condors have teetered on the brink of extinction for decades. The last thing these magnificent birds need are idiots shooting them,” said Ileene Anderson, a senior scientist with the Center. “We hope this additional reward prompts anyone with knowledge to come forward so this crime can be fully prosecuted.”

Anyone with details of the incident should call the Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Sacramento at (916) 569-8476. Callers can remain anonymous.

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--Photo Credit: Reinhard Hölzl / imageBROKER/Shutterstock

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