COLORADO – A critically endangered California Condor was shot and killed by a poacher in a remote area northeast of Lewis, Colorado back in March of this year. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now asking for assistance from the public for any information regarding the killing.
“The California condor was discovered just 24 hours after it was killed in March 2024, in a remote area northeast of Lewis, Colorado and west of McPhee Reservoir in Montezuma County. Â At this time, previous leads have not yielded results, so CPW and the USFWS are asking the public for information regarding this incident and those who are responsible.” – Colorado Parks & Wildlife
California Condors are currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, making it illegal for anyone to kill, trap, pursue, harm or even harass the animal. Those involved in the killing of one of these endangered animals faces third-degree felony charge of wanton destruction of protected wildlife, with a potential for a maximum fine of $5,000, restitution of $1,500, and a five-year prison sentence.
The California Condor Recovery Program, led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, has worked to increase the population of the endangered birds, bringing the number up from 22 individuals in the wild in 1987. There are more than 560 individual California condors in the world today.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife:
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to come forward and assist with the investigation. Tips can be submitted in the following ways:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife:
- Colorado Operation Game Thief (OGT) Hotline: 1-877-COLO-OGT (1-877-265-6648)
- Email:Â game.thief@state.co.us
- Website:Â Submit a Tip
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
- Tip Line: 844-397-8477
- Website:Â Submit a Tip
Should the submitted information lead to a successful prosecution of the responsible parties, a reward may be available. CPW and USFWS also assure that requests for confidentiality will be respected to protect those who come forward.