The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, is seeking the public’s assistance related to incidents involving the alleged killing of a moose in the Town of Stephenville and a caribou near the community of St. Shott’s.

The moose is alleged to have been illegally shot in Stephenville on December 3. Fish and wildlife enforcement officers, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, responded to reports of gun shots near residences in the area of Queen Street Extension and the old Dump Road. An injured female moose was located and euthanized by the RCMP. Fish and wildlife enforcement officers retrieved the moose carcass for further examination. Officers believe the moose was shot dangerously close to multiple residences.

In a separate incident near St. Shott’s, officers received a tip that a caribou had been illegally shot on or about November 29, near the highway leading into the community. There is currently no hunting permitted of the Avalon caribou herd due to population levels.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province’s resources and ensuring they remain available for those who respect legislation concerning the proper management and conservation of fish and wildlife.

An investigation into the incidents is underway and officers are asking anyone who has information or who may have seen suspicious behaviour in these areas to come forward.

Information can also be provided by calling at 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous online reports can also be submitted at www.stoppoaching.ca or www.nlcrimestoppers.com.

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Media contact
Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca