SALT LAKE CITY— The Center for Biological Diversity today announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the illegal shooting of two endangered California condors near Cedar City, Utah.

The Utah Division of Wildlife announced the shooting on Friday. According to the agency, the first condor was discovered in the fall of 2022 in a remote area southeast of Cedar City, north of Zion National Park. A second condor was discovered this June in the same area. Both birds were reportedly shot with firearms. It is, at this time, unclear if the two incidents are connected and what type of firearms were used.

“California condors are emblems of the American West, and it’s grotesque that these majestic birds were so senselessly gunned down,” said Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Condors could be one of the success stories of the Endangered Species Act, but they’ll never recover if people can kill them with impunity. I hope someone does the right thing and comes forward to bring justice for this heinous crime.”

California condors are the largest land birds in North America, with a wingspan of almost 10 feet. They typically have lifelong mates and are estimated to live as long as 60 years. They are known to fly up to 200 miles in a single day.

The species once ranged from Canada to Mexico, but steady population declines due to poisoning, shooting, habitat degradation and other factors caused them to be protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1967. They are protected from any form of harm or harassment — killing one is punishable with up to a five-year prison sentence.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UTiP Hotline: (800) 662-3337) or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Tip line: (844) 397-8477).