Dead bobcat found hanging from tree sets off search for poacher, Arizona officials say
A dead bobcat was found hanging from an Arizona tree days after it was seen alive, wildlife officials said.
Now authorities are searching for the poacher.
The bobcat was found hanging from an illegal leg hold trap Wednesday, March 8, in Tucson, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said in a news release.
Wildlife officers found the animal on the east side of the city.
The bobcat was spotted alive days before it was found dead, officials said.
A $500 reward is being offered to anyone who has information leading to an arrest in the poaching case, officials said.
“Hanging the bobcat from the tree was an ugly spectacle in public view that was especially cruel if the bobcat was still alive when placed there,” Tucson regional supervisor Raul Vega said in the release. “We urge anyone who saw or heard something to contact us.”
Anyone with information about the case can contact the wildlife agency’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700 and reference OGT#23-000455.
A report can be anonymous, the agency said.
This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Dead bobcat found hanging from tree sets off search for poacher, Arizona officials say."
