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AG: 14 suspects in trouble for poaching wildlife
Fourteen people were indicted by a grand jury, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced, and are accused of poaching wildlife in several counties.
Authorities say the poaching happened in Maricopa, Yavapai and Coconino counties.
Between 2018 and 2021, the complaint says the suspects illegally killed bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn antelope, deer, javelina and turkeys.
Mayes says this resulted in the loss of more than $200,000 worth of wildlife in Arizona. The group is accused of conspiracy, theft and animal cruelty.
The names of the suspects weren't released.
What impact does poaching have?
"Poaching steals one of Arizona’s most precious natural resources – wildlife! Poaching interferes with the ability to effectively manage wildlife and wildlife habitat. It negatively impacts the ability to enjoy the outdoors, and reduces opportunities to hunt and fish in Arizona," the attorney general's office said on Dec. 12.
If you have any information on poaching, you can call a 24/7 Silent Witness hotline to report violations at 1-800-352-0700 or visit https://www.azgfd.com/operation-game-thief/.
If you'd like more information on how to safely and legally hunt in Arizona, click here.