A reward is being offered to help find the person responsible for making homemade darts used to kill animals on Penn State campus.
Michael Steingraber, Wildlife Conservation Officer for PA Game Commission, said so far there have been 6 animals killed on campus; four of which appear to be intentional.
“These are game animals that are being killed unlawfully and in an unethical manner,” Steingraber said
He said squirrels and rabbits on the main campus have been reported with homemade darts pierced through them.
A weapon crafted with a sharp blade at the end that Steingraber said does not qualify as hunting.
“We’re talking about animals that are really not causing problems at all. They’re living on campus,” Steingraber said.
University Police and the PA Game Commission are working together to find whoever is responsible for the killings.
Steingraber said if caught, the suspect could be looking at major fines and charges including unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife and disturbing wildlife.
“It’s not an ethical way to kill animals and we’re going to follow up with it and take it seriously. That’s the purpose of my job,” Steingraber said.
Steingraber added that reward is being offered to whoever can help lead officials to a successful prosecution.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission.