ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Authorities say a poacher killed a pregnant elk inside Zion National Park during the government shutdown.
The Spectrum reports that the National Park Service and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are investigating the incident, which is estimated to have happened on or about Jan. 20.
An elk gut pile and partial hide were found in Lee Valley.
Authorities say they believe the poacher was taking advantage of park security being limited because of the shutdown.
National parks like Zion had been kept open despite park service staff being on furlough. The shutdown lasted three days before Congress passed a temporary stopgap measure on Monday.
Up to a $1,500 reward is being offered for information on the kill.
