TUCSON, Ariz. - According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, several animals in Southern Arizona have been hit by pellet and BB guns.
Victims included five birds and two javelina in the Sierra Vista and Tucson areas. Cooper's hawks, a great-horned owl, a red-tailed hawk and a raven were among the birds shot.
“These cases involving birds are violations of state and federal law, and the javelina case is against state law,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson, in a statement. “BB and pellet guns are not legal means of hazing away nuisance wildlife. In addition, youngsters need to be taught that wildlife is not to be used for target practice.”
The crimes could carry a $250,000 fine and two years in prison.
