Reward Offered in Bear Poaching Case at North Cascades National Park

Black bear. NPS photo.

The illegal killing of two black bears in late August in North Cascades National Park has promoted the posting of a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The reward is being offered by The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust.

According to information from the park, the incident occurred off of Highway 20 on August 28. Two hikers on the Maple Pass Loop trail near Washington Pass reported they saw two male adults and two male adolescents posing for pictures with a pair of bears that had been killed. Investigating rangers later found a dead bear, which had gunshot wounds. Hunting is not allowed in the park.

“Tips from the public can play an incredibly important role in solving poaching cases, and we implore anyone with information about this incident to come forward,” said Dan Paul, Washington state director for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States thanks the National Park Service for their investigation of this crime.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call North Cascade National Park Dispatch at 360-854-7249. Callers may remain anonymous.