Officials searching for person(s) responsible for shooting, killing red-tailed hawk

Wildlife officials are asking for the public’s assistance in finding the person or persons responsible for shooting and killing a red-tailed hawk.

On Monday, Hollister Animal Services received a report about a red-tailed hawk shot near San Justo Road in San Juan Bautista.

They believe the shooting happened between Saturday and Monday. The hawk was transported to a Wildlife Hospital by San Benito Wildlife Emergency Services, but did not survive its injury. The bird is federally protected, so this shooting is considered a federal crime. WES officials have reported this crime to U.S. Fish & Wildlife and will be assisting with the investigation.

WES is now offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

If you have any information on the case, you are asked to call Wildlife Emergency Services at 831-708-9453