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Cooper's hawk illegally killed in Tucson

Posted at 1:58 PM, Sep 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-30 18:16:26-04

A Cooper's hawk was illegally killed in Tucson on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. 

The Game and Fish Department's Operation Game Thief is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

AZGFD says the incident happened at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Purple Heart Park near south Houghton Road and east Rita Road. The hawk may have been killed with a BB or pellet gun. 

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700 which is open to calls 24/7 and callers may remain anonymous if they wish. Callers should reference OGT#16-003368.

Information may also be provided online at this link

“This is the second time this month a poacher has stolen wildlife from the citizens of Arizona by illegally killing a Cooper’s hawk,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson.  “This is not only a state crime, but a violation of the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well.” 

This is the second case of a Cooper's hawk that was illegally killed in Tucson in the last month.