A $15,000 total reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the illegal killing of a federally protected grizzly bear that occurred in late 2025 in Idaho.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the bear was killed north of Perkins Lake near the Montana border. It was a female grizzly from the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, an area home to the most imperiled grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states. Wildlife officials have determined that the bear was not posing a threat when it was shot.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering up to $7,000 for information leading to an arrest or conviction. The Center for Biological Diversity offered an addition $7,300 and funds provided through Idaho’s Citizens Against Poaching program bring the total up to $15,000.
“This was a tragic, completely preventable loss and the consequences to grizzly recovery are enormous. In a population this small and fragile, every female is critical to survival. Losing even one can tip the balance toward the decline of the entire population. We’re increasing the reward because the person responsible for killing this bear needs to be held accountable.” – Kristine Akland, Northern Rockies director at the Center for Biological Diversity.
Those with information about the killing are asked to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service TIPs line at (844) FWS-TIPS (397-8477) or https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips. They can also contact Citizens Against Poaching at (800) 632-5999 or citizensagainstpoaching.org. Callers may remain anonymous.
