MAINE (NEWS CENTER) -- Game Wardens are offering a reward for information after two Canada Lynx were shot in Maine. Wardens say the two separate shootings were in northern Oxford County and Aroostook County.
Wardens are offering up to $11,000 reward for information and conviction of the people responsible for the killings. Canada Lynx are a threatened species and it is illegal to kill or hunt them.
Wardens say killing a Canada Lynx carries up to $100,000 fine and or imprisonment up to one year.
Wardens say one Canada lynx was shot on November 17, near Portage Lake and found dead alongside a logging road that connects the Hewes Brook Road and the Wilderness Island Road. A hunter found the shot lynx in a foothold trap.
The other animal Wardens believe was shot by a rifle on November 15 near Aziscohos Lake.
Canada Lynx are increasing in population and expanding their range in Maine. A record number of 11 Canada Lynx have been killed by cars and trucks this year.
This adult male was wearing a GPS radio collar that was affixed by IFW wildlife biologists in 2015 as part of an ongoing IFW lynx study.
Currently, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists are in the midst of a three-year Canada Lynx study that will provide an updated lynx population estimate that will reflect the increasing range and number of lynx in Maine.
Maine Operation Game Thief is offering a $2,500 reward ($5,000 total) to anyone with information that leads to a conviction for the person(s) responsible for killing either of these Canada Lynx. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering an additional reward of up to $2,500 ($5,000 total) to any person who furnishes information which leads to a conviction in either case. Additionally, the Maine Trappers Association will add a $500 reward to any person ($1,000 total) who can provide information that leads to a conviction in either Canada Lynx case. Total reward dollars in this case have now reached $11,000.
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to call Maine Operation Game Thief at 1-800-ALERT-US (207-287-6057), you can remain anonymous. People may also call Public Safety Dispatch in Bangor at 1-800-432-7381 (207-973-3700).