The Arizona Republic

Reward for details about pregnant javelina’s killer

- GABRIELLA DEL RIO

The Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief program is offering a $1,500 reward for informatio­n that will lead to whoever illegally killed a pregnant javelina in Tucson.

Wildlife officials picked up a javelina that appeared to be injured near Sierra Morado Park in Tucson at about 8:30 a.m. Oct. 12, according to Mark Hart, spokesman for Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The animal died on the way to Tucson Wildlife Center.

X-rays of the javalina revealed BB and metal pellets in her hip and chest area, Hart said. The Wildlife Center also found that she was near the end of her pregnancy term.

This could have been a “crime of opportunit­y,” which translates to the victim being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Hart explained. It also could have been connected to hazing, he said.

“The reward is so high, because as far as we’re concerned, this was a crime that killed three animals: the mother and the two infants,” Hart commented.

Poaching is a second-degree misdemeano­r and punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $750. Hart said a poacher’s hunting license can also be revoked.

The Operation Game Thief program is similar in nature to the Tucson Police Department Crime Stopper, program manager Scott Fischer said. It is a 24/7 hotline people can call to report on wildlife.

Fischer explained the program relies heavily on phone calls from the public. The 85 field officers they have across the state cannot always be out in the wild 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Anyone with informatio­n about the javelina can call 1-800-352-0700. Tipsters can also remain anonymous.

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