'Incidental take' on Mt. Graham reported to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
MT. GRAHAM, Ariz. -- An Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife manager working with University of Arizona researchers has reported that he unintentionally shot and killed an endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel Wednesday. Since early 2012, Game and Fish has been assisting biologists working to reduce competition for the endangered species by removing Abert's squirrels from drought-affected red squirrel habitat on Mt. Graham.
Following Department protocol, the wildlife manager immediately reported the incident to his supervisor, who in turn contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The wildlife manager preserved the squirrel's remains, which are being transferred to USFWS.
"While the accidental taking of any endangered species is of course regrettable, our wildlife manager in the field self-reported his actions as early and as ethically as possible," said Game and Fish Assistant Director of Wildlife Management Jim deVos.
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.
Contact:
Bill Andres 623-236-7223
Public Information Officer
bandres@azgfd.gov
