Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering $1,500 for information leading to an arrest in the killing of a javelina on Tucson's southwest side.
The department's Operation Game Thief program is offering the reward after determining the javelina was illegally shot June 17. It was found dead in an area northeast of West Hammerhead Way, near South 12th Avenue.
“Poachers are criminals. They are thieves who steal wildlife from Arizona citizens,” said Raul Vega, regional supervisor at the department's Tucson office. “This appears to be a crime of opportunity, or a case of trying to get rid of a nuisance. Either way, it’s illegal.”
Citizens with information about the incident can call the program and reference case number OGT#18-002050, a news released said. Information can also be sent online by visiting the website.
In 2017, information from citizens led to 76 citations for wildlife violations, which resulted in $74,500 worth of civil fines, the release said.
