TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for information on a javelina that was shot multiple times with a pellet gun in February.
The injured javelina was found Tuesday, Feb. 28 in Saddlebrooke, north of Oro Valley and had been shot 17 times, according to AZGFD. It was transported to Tucson Wildlife Center for treatment, but died as a result of its injuries.
“Poachers are criminals. They are thieves who steal wildlife from Arizona citizens,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. “The javelina surely suffered terribly from being shot multiple times. It was a cruel and inhumane act.”
AZGFD is offering a reward up to $500 for information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for shooting the javelina.
Tips can be shared anonymously, if necessary, at the OGT hotline, (800) 352-0700. Callers should reference case Operation Game Thief #23-000405.
Javelina are classified as a big game species in Arizona, and hunting them is only permitted valid hunting license or combination license and tag. Hunters must comply with all AZGFD regulations pertaining to hunting season and open areas, which do not include municipal and county parks and preserves.
Operation Game Thief is an anti-poaching program that encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or wildlife violations to the 24-hour hotline above.
The maximum penalty for 'illegal take of wildlife' is four months in jail and a $750 fine, in addition to any civil penalties that may apply.
MORE ON SONORAN DESERT WILDLIFE:
- They are not pigs - the Absolutely Arizona story behind javelina
- Tucson Wildlife Center is Southern Arizona's only wildlife rescue hospital
——
Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
