Another hawk illegally killed in Tucson area; reward offered for info

Another hawk has been killed illegally, the third hawk killing in the Tucson area since Sept. 7, Arizona Game and Fish Department officials reported.

The agency's Operation Game Thief program is offering a $250 reward for information leading to an arrest in the killing of a Harris's hawk Saturday near Catalina.

Rewards also are offered for information in the case of a Cooper’s hawk that was found dead Sept. 28 at Purple Heart Park near South Houghton Road and East Rita Road, and in connection with the killing of a Cooper’s hawk with a dart on or about Sept. 7 near Picture Rocks.

The Harris’s hawk was found in the Canyon Del Oro wash in Catalina after apparently being shot in the head at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday near North Lago Del Oro and East Wilds Road, Game and Fish reported.

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“This is the third time since early September that a poacher has stolen wildlife from the citizens of Arizona by illegally killing a hawk,” said Raul Vega, regional supervisor for Game and Fish in Tucson. “These acts are crimes against state as well as federal laws.”

Illegal take of wildlife is punishable by up to a $750 fine and six months in jail under state law. Violations of the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act are punishable by a maximum fine of $15,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.

Individuals with information about the cases are asked to contact Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700.