Deaths of two endangered condors in Utah prompt investigation

CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) — In recent years, two condors have been found shot dead in southern Utah. That represents a loss of about 2% of the region’s population.

The first California condor was found killed in 2022, and the most recent was killed early last month, the Utah Department of Natural Resources DivisionFor critically endangered species, the loss of even two birds makes a huge difference.

In the 1980s, there were only 22 California condors in the wild. Since then, conservationists have been working to bring them back from the brink of extinction. DWR officials say there are now more than 560 condors worldwide, with 85 in the northern Arizona and southern Utah regions.

“They’re up, but not by a huge amount. So the fact that we’ve lost two of them to someone who shot them in the last two years is literally 2% of the (regional) population,” said DWR Capt. Chad Bettridge. “I mean, it’s serious.”

In addition to the shootings, there was also an increase in bird flu last year, which had consequences for the population.

Russell Norvell, DWR’s bird conservation program coordinator, said the shootings and avian flu “have wiped out more than a decade of progress in the recovery of this species.”

Bettridge said they are investigating the two shooting incidents together because the birds were both found in the area between Kolob Mountain and Zion National Park.

DWR law enforcement has been following up on leads about the wildlife shooting, but Bettridge said they have “turned up nothing.” They are now asking the public for any information they may have about the condors’ deaths.

“As far as wildlife crimes go, it couldn’t be much more serious than this, just because of the circumstances surrounding the bird,” Bettridge said.

Because the bird is protected at both the state and federal levels, anyone convicted of killing a California condor in Utah would face both federal and state charges. Penalties include a fine of up to $5,000, a restitution payment of $1,500, and a five-year prison sentence.

However, Bettridge said he hopes the shooting was an accident and is asking the person responsible to speak to him.

“I don’t think anyone would shoot this bird because it’s hunting their livestock or something like that, because that’s not normal for condors,” he said. “So you know it’s possible that someone saw this huge bird and was interested in what it was. If it was a simple mistake, please contact us.”

If anyone has information or was in the area around June 4, 5 and 6 and saw anything unusual, officials say to call 800-662-337 or 844-397-8477, text 847411 or contact them through the Tip 411 app. There may be a reward available for information leading to a conviction.

“We’re taking this seriously and are doing our utmost to find out who did this. We just need a little help,” Bettridge said.