A Vancouver-based wildlife group is offering a $1,000 reward to help catch those responsible for the illegal killing of two cougar kittens near Duncan.
The felines were illegally shot and killed near Hill 60 Forest Service Road in the Cowichan Valley area.
On Thursday, the BC Conservation Officer Service said they believe the poaching incident took place within the last week. It is classified as a serious offence under the BC Wildlife Act.
The paws and heads of both cougars were removed.
Following the plea from BC Conservation Officers Service, the Fur-Bearers said they were offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the illegal killings of the two cougar kittens.
“We’re hopeful that this reward will help prompt people who may have seen or heard something related to this case to contact the RAPP Line and provide information that can lead to a conviction of the person(s) responsible,” says Aaron Hofman, Director of Advocacy and Policy for The Fur-Bearers.
It is illegal to kill cougar kittens (any cougar with spots or under one year of age), or cougars in a family unit.
“The killing of cougar kittens shows a blatant disregard for ethical hunting and wildlife conservation,” said Duncan Conservation Officer Mark Kissinger.
“Thankfully, this is not the type of offence we see frequently.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
