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].
News & Events
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March 12, 2010
Reward Offered in Bald Eagle Killing near Spokane
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing a bald eagle in Ford, Wash.
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March 8, 2010
On the Scent of Poachers
Rescued dogs help game wardens catch wildlife criminals
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March 6, 2010
Reward Offered in Javelina Poaching Case in Arizona
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally shooting two javelinas near St. David, Ariz.
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March 5, 2010
Reward Offered in Case of Injured Golden Eagle in Utah
The HSUS and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally plucking an injured golden eagle’s tail feathers in Sevier County, Utah.
Our Victories
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June 29, 2009
Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections To Great Lakes Wolves
A coalition of wolf advocates led by The HSUS has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region.
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June 22, 2009
Federal Court Blocks Captive Hunting of Endangered Species
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia struck down a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule allowing captive hunting of endangered antelopes.
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June 4, 2009
Conn. Lawmakers Pass Bill to Ban Chimpanzees as Pets and Prevent Internet Hunting
After a tragic incident involving a pet chimpazee, Connecticut lawmakers vote to prohibit residents from keeping great apes as pets.
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May 28, 2009
Minn. Legislature Adjourns With Victories for Animals
The HSUS thanks Minnesota lawmakers for their work to protect animals in the 2009 legislative session.