Poaching is a deadly crime against wildlife. Wildlife officials say that legal hunters kill tens of millions of animals every year. For each of those animals, another is killed illegally, perhaps on closed land or out of season, leaving orphaned young to starve. Few poachers are caught or punished.
Poachers may also kill endangered species or use illegal weapons.
Why do they do this? For many, profit is the motive. Bear gall bladders get top dollar for Chinese herbal remedies, and big-horned sheep antlers can fetch $20,000 on the black market. Some poachers just love killing animals, or want a trophy.
Let's stop this war on wildlife.
- Going hiking or bird watching? Know your state's wildlife regulations and hunting seasons so you can identify violations.
- If you see suspicious activity, don't confront anyone.
- Get a description of the poacher, the vehicle and the surrounding area.
- Call your state wildlife department immediately [PDF].
The Humane Society of the United States is a proud associate member of the International Association of Natural Resources Crimestoppers.
News & Events
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May 22, 2013
Reward Offered for Information in Bald Eagle Shooting in Allegheny Township, Pa.
The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the illegal shooting of a mature bald eagle in Allegheny Township.
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May 2, 2013
Hawaii Governor Urged to Sign Animal-Protection Bills
The Hawaii State Legislature unanimously passed a number of animal protection bills to strengthen animal cruelty laws, help residents find rental housing that accepts pets, and make other improvements for animals in state policy. These bills now go to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his approval.
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April 25, 2013
Reward Offered for Information about the Poisoning of 6 Bald Eagles in Northampton County, Va.
The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for poisoning six bald eagles in Northampton County, Va.
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April 16, 2013
The HSUS and HSI Criticize Decision to Allow First Import of Critically Endangered Black Rhino Trophy in More Than Three Decades
In a setback for species protection and an end to more than 30 years of U.S. protection for the critically endangered black rhino, the Obama Administration has granted approval to an American trophy hunter to import a sport-hunted rhino trophy into the United States from Namibia.
