The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) reports poachers killed 1,050 animals in 2019. They also report the value of those animals exceeds $386,000.
“Each animal that is illegally killed in our state is one less animal that legal hunters, wildlife enthusiasts or everyday citizens have the opportunity to enjoy,” said DWR Sgt. Chad Bettridge. “Poachers steal our ability to enjoy Utah’s wildlife.”
In 2018, poachers killed 927 animals in Utah. Wildlife officers issued 526 citations for unlawful take and wanton destruction in 2019, compared to 611 in 2018. The overall number of violations detected by DWR conservation officers last year was 3,525 violations, compared to 3,963 in 2018.
State agencies across the country rely on hunters as the first line of defense to report suspicious or illegal activity involving wildlife.
(Photo source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)