by Patty Henetez

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public for help in finding and convicting whomever shot and killed a peregrine falcon this past fall. The shooting occurred at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham City early in the morning of Nov. 15. Bird hunters in the area heard the shot and found the peregrine falcon along the dike in the refuge's hunting unit No. 3. Witnesses reported seeing a four-door dark-colored truck pulling a duck boat leaving the area just before finding the dead bird. Peregrine falcons are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Killing a peregrine falcon is a federal offense carrying a maximum penalty of a $15,000 fine and six months in jail. Refuge Officer Greg Mullin said Tuesday an investigation has been ongoing since the shooting. He declined to discuss any leads, saying only that officers have developed some information but need more. Those with information may contact Mullin at 435-734-6435, or Fish and Wildlife special agent Bonnie Bell at 435-865-0861. Callers may remain anonymous. The federal agency is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer. Mullin said the amount of the award cannot be revealed at this time.