State investigating “egregious” mountain goat poaching on Quandary Peak in Summit County
BRECKENRIDGE» Two mountain goats were poached on Quandary Peak last week, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering a $1,000 reward for any information about who shot and killed the animals.
The two young, male goats were found shot to death Tuesday afternoon about 2.8 miles up the Quandary Peak Trail, according to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife news release.
Quandary Peak is in Summit County near Breckenridge.
The goats were shot in the head at close range with a pistol, the news release said.
“We ask that anyone who was near the summit of Quandary Peak Tuesday help us locate those responsible for this egregious poaching,” said Tom Davies, district wildlife manager with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Killing a mountain goat in this manner is a felony, and these poachers can face jail time, license suspensions and fines that can reach over $20,000 per animal.”
Officials are offering $1,000 for information leading to an arrest or citation related to the goats’ deaths. People reporting information can call Operation Game Thief at 1-877COLO-OGT or email them at game.thief@state.co.us.
“Quandary Peak is a well-traveled, popular fourteener, and we hope someone active on the trail during a busy holiday week can help us find the party or parties responsible,” Davies said.