Nov 7, 2014

Heron shot! Reward offered!

Image courtesy Wildlife Center at SPCA for Monterey County.

Radiographs of the great blue heron that was rescued last week in Hollister (full story HERE) revealed the bird was shot with lead pellets from an air rifle.

State and federal authorities have been notified and thanks to supporters we are able to offer a $5,050.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime.

Yesterday, Animal Legal Defense Fund added to the reward, raising it to $6,050.00 (THANK YOU ALDF!) and today one of their supporters added another $200.00!

The bird was found off of Glenview Drive, near the Ridgemark community. WES' Deanna Barth captured the bird and delivered it to the SPCA for Monterey County.

Herons frequent open fields where they prey on gophers, ground squirrels and snakes. They are also found near ponds and creeks where they prey on fish. 

Although these birds are naturally shy of people, they have been known to land in backyards that have shallow fish ponds. Ponds must be a minimum of 3' deep to adequately protect them from predators such as herons or raccoons.




Report information confidentially through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CalTip line at 1-888-334-2258 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 650-876-9078.

Download the Reward Flyer, HERE.

To add to the reward amount, please email us, HERE.

The bird is currently in care at International Bird Rescue in Fairfield. In addition to being shot, the bird sustained a broken wing. 

If you'd like to contribute to the care of this bird, please consider supporting IBR with a donation, HERE.

Great blue heron in care at International Bird Rescue. Photo Credit Cheryl Reynolds/IBR.




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