Southern Utah Authorities Seek Public Help In Identifying Condor Killers

Investigators with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are seeking information after two California condors were shot and killed in southern Utah over the past two years. The first incident occurred in the fall of 2022, with the bird found in a remote area southeast of Cedar City, north of Zion National Park. The second condor was discovered last month in the same region. Both birds were shot with firearms, but it remains unclear if the incidents are connected or what type of firearm was used. Despite previous leads, the DWR and USFWS have not yet identified the perpetrators and are now asking the public for any information that could help solve these cases.

California condors are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, making it illegal to harm or kill them. Those responsible for these killings could face a third-degree felony charge of wanton destruction of protected wildlife, carrying a maximum fine of $5,000, restitution of $1,500, and up to five years in prison.

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The population of California condors had dwindled to just 22 individuals by 1987, prompting the USFWS to establish the California Condor Recovery Program. This initiative, in collaboration with various partners, focuses on increasing the condor population through captive breeding and release efforts. As of June 2024, there are 85 condors in the wild in the rugged canyon country of northern Arizona and southern Utah. However, this number has recently declined due to the impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Globally, the population of California condors stands at over 560, with more than half of them flying free in Arizona, Utah, California, and Mexico.

Russell Norvell, the DWR Avian Conservation Program Coordinator, emphasized the significance of this loss, stating in a press release, “The illegal killing of these two condors is a devastating and unnecessary loss on top of all the recent deaths from the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Between the two events, we've lost more than a decade's worth of progress in the recovery of this species.”

Anyone with information about the killings is urged to contact the authorities through the UTiP Hotline at 800-662-3337, the UTDWR Law Enforcement app, by texting 847411, calling the USFWS tip line at 844-397-8477, or submitting a tip on the USFWS website. A reward may be available for information leading to a successful prosecution, and requests for confidentiality will be respected.