DOW offering reward for information about Bondad poaching incident
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering a $1,000 reward for information about a bull elk that was recently killed near Bondad on the west side of U.S. Highway 550.
The elk was a mature bull with large 6 x 6 antlers in full velvet. It was shot near a gas well pad, said Stephanie Schuler, district wildlife manager for the DOW.
The elk was still alive when it was spotted by a man working on the well pad on July 29. The elk was lying down with its head up. The man noticed blood on the animal and could see that it had been shot. The DOW was notified of the incident.
The next morning, Schuler and one other DOW officer found the elk still alive. The officers noticed bear tracks and scat near the injured elk. They determined that a bear had been feeding upon the paralyzed hind end of the elk.
“Unfortunately after lying there paralyzed for two days and being scavenged upon by at least one bear, the elk needed to be put down due to its condition,” Schuler said.
The officers found a single bullet wound to the upper shoulder/spinal area of the elk that paralyzed the animal.
“The elk was shot on private property. We are hopeful that someone might have seen a vehicle or some unusual activity near the well pad,” Schuler said. “If anyone has any information, even if it seems to be minor, please call the Division of Wildlife.”
If someone provides a tip that leads to an arrest, he or she could earn the reward from Operation Game Thief. Tips can be given anonymously.
If you have any information about this incident, please, call the DOW’s Durango office at (970)247-0855; or Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648.