Only Breeding Northern Goshawk In Md. Shot, Killed
GRANTSVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Wildlife officials say Maryland's only known breeding northern goshawk has been shot and killed, and her three chicks were left to die in the nest.
A biologist with the Department of Natural Resources found the remains of the female goshawk last week in the Savage River State Forest near Grantsville. The large bird, a forest raptor, is on the state's endangered species list.
Officials say the northern goshawk was driven out of Maryland in the early 1900s by timber harvesting, but returned in 2001 when the forest habitat improved.
The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing the goshawk. Anyone with information is urged to call the Catch-a-poacher hot line at 800-635-6124.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
