They offer more than 130 thousand dollars as a reward for anyone who helps reveal this Oregon mystery

In the vast landscapes of the state of Oregon, an alarming problem is drawing the attention of conservationists and authorities. Poaching of wolves, a protected species, has reached worrying levels in recent years. With at least 36 wolves illegally killed since 2020, the state is facing a challenge that threatens not only the fauna, but also the ecological balance of the region.

To combat this situation, various organizations and agencies, such as the Center for Biological Diversity, offer rewards exceeding $130,000 for information that leads to the capture of those responsible. However, these initiatives face considerable obstacles.

Despite the large sums offered, wolf poaching cases rarely end in successful prosecutions. “There has not been a reward granted specifically for a case of wolf poaching,” admitted Captain Kyle Kennedy, local police spokesman, in dialogue with the portal. Oregon Live. Although the clues received were valuable, none led to the definitive identification of the culprits.

This situation is not unique to Oregon. Across the United States, wolf poaching faces similar research challenges, often due to the remote areas where these crimes occur. “The lack of witnesses and concrete evidence significantly complicates investigations,” said Michelle Dennehy, spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Killing wolves not only affects the species itself, but also Oregon’s delicate ecological balance. In addition, some cases of poisoning caused the death of other species, such as golden eagles and pumas, increasing concern among authorities and conservation groups.

Amaroq Weiss, wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, highlighted the importance of rewards as a public awareness tool. “Offering a reward is a way to show that a wolf’s life has value,” he explained. Although concrete results were limited, Weiss believes that these initiatives can deter potential poachers by increasing the risk of being reported.

Among the recent incidents, four cases stand out that mobilized the authorities:

These rewards are supported by a coalition of organizationsincluding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Hunters Association.

If you have information about these casesindividuals can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (503) 682-6131 or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reports can also be made online.