Reward Increased in Red Wolf Poachings in North Carolina
Humane Society of the United States National Council member Cathy Kangas is matching The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust's reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing two endangered red wolves in North Carolina.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Humane Society of the United States National Council member Cathy Kangas is matching The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust's reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing two endangered red wolves in North Carolina. The HSUS and Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust reward was issued on May 19. The total reward now stands at up to $7,500, including $2,500 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Case:
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on April 23, the first wolf was found dead near Engelhard in eastern Hyde County. The second wolf was discovered on April 27 near Scranton in western Hyde County. Both wolves were fitted with radio collars to track their movements.
“I’m hopeful that the combined reward will shed light on the case and those bullies responsible for this crime,” stated Cathy Kangas.
“The illegal killing of these two endangered wolves is truly disgraceful and an affront to the recovery of the species,” said Kimberly Alboum, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. “We are extremely grateful to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for their tireless work to solve this heinous crime.”
The red wolf is protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Poaching:
Wildlife officials estimate that for every wild animal killed legally — tens of millions of animals per year — another is killed illegally. Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 percent to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers injure or kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways. Wildlife officials report that poachers often commit other crimes as well. The HSUS works with state and federal wildlife agencies to offer rewards of $2,500 for information leading to arrest and conviction of suspected poachers. The Investigators:
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Sandra Allred at ( 919 ) 856-4786, Refuge Officer Chris Smith at ( 252 ) 926-4021, or North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officer Robert Wayne at ( 252 ) 216-8225.
The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.
-30-
Related Content
Published by:
Release Date
This story was released on 2010-05-28. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.