Information leading to an arrest in the poisonings of wildlife and pet dogs near the Wisconsin-Upper Peninsula border is now worth $3,500.
The Center for Biological Diversity in Madison, Wis., added $2,500 to the original $1,000 reward in the hope that someone would come forward to end the “senseless, indiscriminate poisoning of rare wildlife and family dogs,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center.
At least seven dogs and two rare gray wolves have died since December after ingesting poisoned meat on public land. Authorities believe someone is intentionally mixing an insecticide with meat and leaving it for animals to find.
At least two gray wolves have been killed by poisoned meat left on public land near the Wisconsin-Upper Peninsula border. Gray wolves are endangered, and are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act. A gray wolf is seen in a photo from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website.Gary Kramer, USFWS
In April, a yellow lab and a German shepherd died after eating poison found along gravel roads on U.S. Forest Service land in Forest County, Wis. Two beagles died in the same area later that month.
Investigators are focusing on Florence, Forest and Marinette counties, near the Upper Peninsula-Wisconsin border, where most of the deaths have occurred.
“People should be able to enjoy watching wildlife and walking their dogs on our public lands without fear of more tragic poisonings,” Adkins said.
Anyone using public land to walk their dog in Forest, Marinette and Florance counties is advised to use a leash and watch for signs of poison in the area. Signs include dead wildlife. Investigators have found dead coyotes, raccoons, raptors, weasels and gray wolves in the areas of the dog deaths.
The gray wolf is protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Killing an endangered species is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $100,000 fine per animal.
Anyone with information on these poisoning deaths should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Madison at (608) 221-1206.
READ MORE:
‘White Boy Rick’ Florida prison release date moved up
Stalking suspect dies in crash after police pursuit
2 toddlers die in Detroit crash, mom faces child abuse charges
Motorcyclist killed in crash, other driver intoxicated, police say
Summer forecast just issued, Michigan in the orange temperatures