TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The number of coyotes found dead on the east side has grown from 14 to 28 since KGUN 9 initially reported on wild animals found dead due to a poisonous substance, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The animals were found in the area near the Pantano Wash from Old Spanish Trail to Houghton Road.
For Roger Burgland, hearing the news of the poisoned animals was disturbing.
"I think it’s ridiculous, you know, why should someone be out there poisoning animals? You know they have a right to live," he said
A week ago, Game and Fish reported that a necropsy on a javelina indicated that the poison was placed in some sort of food that would attract wildlife and dogs.
The toxicity of the poison used to kill the animals was high.
"We approached these dead animals and looked at them," said Tarah Clark, Wildlife Manager for Arizona Game and Fish Department. "Around their mouths was saliva, and flys were actually landing on the saliva and dying."
As of today, Game and Fish report the total number of animals found dead in the area at 28 coyotes, three javelina, three dogs, and a raven. The department says its investigation is ongoing.
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Eddie Celaya is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born in Tucson and raised in the Phoenix area, Eddie is a life-long Arizonan and graduate of the University of Arizona who loves the desert and mountains and hates the cold. Previously, Eddie worked in print media at the Arizona Daily Star. Share your story ideas with Eddie at edward.celaya@kgun9.com, or by connecting on Facebook or Instagram.
