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OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police are asking the public for any information on an incident where someone shot and killed two adult common loons and their chicks in Okanogan County near Chesaw, Wash. Non-governmental organizations are offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to convictions.
The incident occurred the weekend of June 22, when WDFW Officers responded to a report of multiple dead loons near Beaver Lake on the Colville National Forest.
With the help of several concerned community members, the officers recovered two adult loons and one chick.
A second deceased chick was reportedly seen in the lake earlier that day. Multiple witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the area the evening before.
The Department encourages anyone who might have relevant information about this incident to contact WDFW at 877-9339847, email WDFW’s poaching tip email, or send a text tip to 847411. The public can also report online on WDFW’s website. Tips can be provided anonymously.
Illegally killing a common loon is a misdemeanor (RCW 77.15.130.c.ii) punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500 per violation.
Additionally, a penalty of $2,000 per bird can be assessed upon conviction.
