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 28, 2013
Federal Agencies Work Together to Bring Indictment of New Mexico Trophy Hunter
The Humane Society of the United States’ Chief Program and Policy Officer Michael Markarian released the following statement praising the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the federal indictment of Charles Kokesh, who is alleged to have violated the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act by selling two African elephant tusks and for making false accounts of wildlife related to that sale.
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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.
