Colorado authorities searching for poachers

Colorado Parks and Wildlife authorities and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office are investigating poaching and the deaths of nearly a dozen animals, including pronghorn and cattle in southeastern Colorado.

Authorities say eight pronghorns were shot and killed before the end of September, before hunting season started, and three cows were shot on a ranch.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for killing the pronghorn. Officials believe the pronghorn and cattle shootings are related.

Pronghorn hunting season started Oct. 4, so there could now be legitimate hunters in the area. It is illegal for hunters to kill and abandon big game.