Sacramento, California – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the shooting of an endangered California condor found in Hollister, California in July 2022. The condor was found deceased on private property directly off Lone Tree Road in Hollister. The Service’s Wildlife Forensics Laboratory conducted a necropsy and determined the cause of death to be trauma from a gunshot wound.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting of this condor is asked to contact the Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Sacramento, California (916-569-8478) or email Special Agent Victoria Van Duzer (Victoria_Vanduzer@fws.gov). Callers with information may remain anonymous. The Service is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting of this condor.
California condors were listed as endangered in 1967. In the 1980’s, California condor numbers reached a low of only 23 individuals worldwide. Intensive recovery and reintroduction efforts over the past three decades have brought the California condor population up to approximately 400 individuals.
California condors are protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Taking, shooting, injuring, or killing a condor are violations of these acts. The maximum penalty for a criminal violation of the Endangered Species Act is one year in jail and a $100,000 fine per individual (or $200,000 per organization). The Migratory Bird Treaty Act carries maximum penalties ranging from six months to one year in jail and fines up to $250,000 per individual, depending on whether an individual is convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at http://www.twitter.com/usfwshq), watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.
