Family of ring-necked loons killed in Washington state, $6,000 reward offered – Okanagan

Washington state wildlife officials have issued a reward after several common loons were killed in Okanogan County last weekend.

The common loon is a federally protected bird in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. They are also protected in the United States, with Washington State classifying them as a sensitive species.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife said it was alerted to several dead loons near Beaver Lake in the Colville National Forest, a massive park that spans 1.5 million acres and partially borders British Columbia.

Authorities said two adult common loons were killed, along with two chicks. Beaver Lake is a short drive southeast of Chesaw, a small community about 30 minutes east of the border town of Oroville.

“Nongovernmental organizations are offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to convictions,” wildlife officials said, noting that several witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the area on the evening of June 21. .

In the United States, killing a common loon is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. Fines can be up to $500 per violation, as well as a $2,000 penalty per bird after being convicted.

Those with information are encouraged to call WDFW at 1-877-933-9847 or text a message to 847411.

Several agencies pooled resources to create the $6,000 reward, including Conservation Northwest, Northwest Swan Conservation and the Washington Waterfowl Association.

Fashionable now

• Entire Hells Angels chapter arrested in California gang investigation

• Are smoked barbecue flavored chips dangerous for your health? Why this ban in Europe

According to the WDFW, there are only 12 known breeding pairs of loons in northeastern Washington state and the main threats to the species are nest disturbance, lead poisoning and poaching.

This would be four more pairs than those known in 1995.

Many migratory birds, including the common loon, are protected by federal law in Canada. A list is available online.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says that while the loon is not considered a species at risk north of the border, it still faces many threats and needs safe places to nest and feed.

More information on the common loon in British Columbia is available in this 93-page PDF from 2008.

© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.