An endangered key deer was shot and suffered injuries so severe in January, that it had to be euthanized.
The shooter has not been found and wildlife officials are seeking the public’s help in finding the culprit, according to a Jan. 27 news release. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced a reward for information leading to solving the crime.
"Officials will pay $5,000 if information in this deer’s shooting leads to a conviction," the services stated in the release. "Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Callers can remain anonymous."
Tips may also be submitted via email at Tip@MyFWC.com or online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert. People with information about the incident can also call the FWS Office of Law Enforcement at 786-236-2862, the release stated.
One of the animals on Sugarloaf Key, just north of Key West, was shot and had to be euthanized Jan. 27, NBC Miami reported. Killing an endangered animal can result in a one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $100,000, Local 10 News reported.
Key deer are the smallest subspecies of the white-tailed deer, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
