This week, the Center for Biological Diversity tripled the reward to $15,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the July 2018 shooting and subsequent death of a California condor. Condors are protected under California law and the federal Endangered Species Act.
“California condors have teetered on the brink of extinction for decades. The last thing these magnificent birds need are idiots shooting them,” said Ileene Anderson, a senior scientist with the Center. “We hope this additional reward prompts anyone with knowledge to come forward so this crime can be fully prosecuted.”
According to news reports, a California condor was found shot and missing several tail feathers on private property on Hudson Ranch Road, about five miles southeast of the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Kern County. Tragically, the condor died from the trauma of the gunshot wound.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initially offered a $5,000 reward for information on the perpetrators of this crime.
As previously stated, California condors are protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Taking, killing or injuring a condor is a violation of those acts, which could result in a penalty of one year in jail and up to a $250,000 fine per individual.
According to Defenders of Wildlife, The California condor population steadily declined during the 20th century until there were only about 22 known to exist in the world. The last of the wild condors were taken into captivity in 1987 in order to save the species from extinction.
Efforts to reintroduce California condors began in early 1992, and continue to this day, bringing the total to approximately 400. Today, they can be found primarily in California, Arizona and Baja California, Mexico.
Anyone with details of the incident should call the Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Sacramento at (916) 569-8476. Callers can remain anonymous.
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