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.
