News Release

Reward Offered For Recent September Poaching Incidents In Rocky Mountain National Park

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News Release Date: February 4, 2019
Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer, (970) 586-1363
Contact: Park Information, (970) 586-1206

Up to a $2,000 reward is offered for information regarding elk poaching incidents that occurred in Rocky Mountain National Park in September, 2018. In order to be eligible for a reward, the information must be relevant and lead to an arrest or criminal conviction.    

On Wednesday morning September 12, Park Rangers discovered a large bull elk had been shot alongside Trail Ridge Road near Milner Pass. This occurred during the night of Tuesday, September 11, or early morning September 12. This bull’s head had been severed and the carcass remained.

On the morning of September 22, park visitors reported a dead bull elk next to Trail Ridge Road, near the Ute Crossing Trail south of Forest Canyon Overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park. Park Rangers investigated and discovered the large bull elk had been shot during the night of Friday, September 21, or early morning Saturday, September 22.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s wildlife is a resource for all visitors to enjoy viewing and appreciate. The individual(s) who assisted or carried out these poaching incidents robbed future park visitors of this experience. 

Park Rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park and Special Agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urge anyone with information on these incidents or other incidents of wildlife poaching in the park to call the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau at 888-653-0009, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement at 1-720-981-2777, or call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-332-4155.

 

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Last updated: February 5, 2019

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round. During summer, the office is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily. During the winter season, the office is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday - Friday, and from 8 am to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. For information on Trail Ridge Road, the recorded Trail Ridge Road status line is available 24 hours a day: (970) 586-1222.

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