CASPER, Wyo. — A female mountain goat suffering from multiple crossbow-related wounds inflicted by would-be poachers was euthanized last week.
“Wounded by a series of crossbow bolts, the goat was emaciated and obviously suffering,” Idaho Fish and Game Department Regional Communications Manager Evin Oneale wrote on Saturday.
Idaho Fish and Game received reports of the injured nanny mountain goat via the Citizens Against Poaching hotline and Facebook. Based on these tips, conservation officers were able to locate the goat off of Hells Canyon Road south of Hells Canyon Dam.
“After watching the nanny for more than an hour, the officers determined that the animal was suffering and needed to be euthanized,” Oneale said.
Conservation officers observed at least three wounds from crossbow bolts, “including one in the middle of the animal’s forehead.”
“A bolt hung from the hide in the animal’s left shoulder area, having apparently worked its way out of the adjacent muscle tissue,” Oneale wrote. “Another bolt was firmly lodged in the animal’s throat possibly preventing the goat from feeding and drinking properly. Officers reported that the animal was extremely emaciated.”
The goat was taken to Idaho Fish and Game’s Wildlife Health Laboratory for a necropsy and additional examination.
“It’s difficult to look at the photos of this mountain goat, think about the needless suffering the animal endured and not be angry,” Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Jon Rachael said. “Shooting this mountain goat with a series of crossbow target bolts is one of the most egregious, cruel acts against Idaho’s wildlife that I’ve witnessed in my career.”
The mountain goat hunting season in Idaho closed in early November.
Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) is offering a reward for information in the case. Callers may remain anonymous. People can call the 24-hr CAP hotline at 1-800-632-5999.
People can also contact Idaho Fish and Game’s Nampa office at 208-465-8465 and Idaho State Police at 208-846-7550 with information. An online reporting form is also available on the Fish and Game website at https://idfg.idaho.gov/cap.
“We need the public’s help to bring these perpetrators to justice,” Rachael said.
This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.
