The Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region announced two snowmobile riders turned themselves into authorities and admitted to harassing a red fox in Heidelberg Township on January 20.
According to Operation Game Thief, Pennsylvania Game Commission, the state game warden’s investigation suggested the fox was being chased through the field for more than 30 minutes by two individuals operating snowmobiles. The suspects ran over the fox multiple times with their snowmobiles during the horrific incident.
A description of the suspects had been released to social media, asking for the public’s help identifying the suspects:
“Suspect #1 was operating a black snowmobile with yellow skis, dressed in black pants with a black and gray jacket and wearing a silver metallic helmet. Suspect #2 was operating a black and white snowmobile, wearing fluorescent orange pants, a black jacket and black helmet. It is believed the actors are residents in that general area.”
Check out the video.
The red fox can be seen running while the snowmobilers are chasing it and possibly striking the animal. You can see him turn around and run in the opposite direction. “The suspects ran over the fox multiple times with their snowmobiles during the horrific incident.”
A reward of $2,000 had been offered.
Thanks to awareness through social media shares, comments, and overall public outcry, the suspects involved with the incident felt enough pressure and turned themselves into authorities. Charges will be filed, and restitution added to those charges.
The suspects’ names have not been released, however information on the site states one is a 17-year-old, and the other is 20-years of age.
THANK YOU for being a conservation hero and helping to protect Pennsylvania’s wildlife and resources by reporting incidents like this.
As a reminder, you can call the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 1-888-PGC-8001 or you can fill out the online form at http://bit.ly/3HbMYvH.
Calls to the OGT Hotline are always answered with a secure recording device. While it is beneficial to provide contact information in the event of follow-up questions, all calls may remain confidential.
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