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
-
January 12, 2012
New Effort Launched to Combat Wildlife Crimes in Hawaii
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust announced new efforts to support the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement’s work to combat poaching and designated wildlife-related crimes by sponsoring a toll-free, confidential reward tip line, 1-855-DLNR-TIP.
-
December 6, 2011
The HSUS Commends the New York Department of Environmental Conservation on a Strong Anti-Poaching Initiative
Over the past three months, more than 70 New Yorkers from 13 counties were charged with hunting law violations as part of coordinated multistate operation by the New York DEC with law enforcement agencies in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont.
-
November 7, 2011
Reward Offered in Illinois Bald Eagle Poaching Case
The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information in the illegal shooting of a bald eagle in Putnam County, Illinois. The HSUS reward adds to an existing $1,000 reward from the Bureau-Putnam County Crime Stoppers.
-
October 12, 2011
Reward Offered in Oregon Antelope Poaching Case
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward in the case of the illegall killing of five antelope in Douglas County, Ore. The HSUS reward adds to an existing $1,000 reward from the Oregon Hunters Association.