As of January 23, 7 p.m., the reward pool has increased to $1,775, up from $1,425.
Update Jan. 23, 4 p.m. – A group of local residents has come together to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest of these reckless riders. The reward amount has now reached $900, thanks to the generous contributions of the community.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking assistance from the public in identifying two snowmobile operators who, according to game wardens, pursued a fox through a field in Heidelberg Township for over 30 minutes on Monday. During this disturbing incident, the fox was tragically run over multiple times.
The southeast region office of the Game Commission is actively searching for two individuals who have been accused of illegally harassing wildlife and attempting to unlawfully capture a red fox in a field near the intersection of state Route 501 and Locust Street in Heidelberg Township on January 20th.
According to a report from WGAL, the game warden has stated that the fox was not located in the field, leaving authorities uncertain about the fate of the animal.
Game Commission officials have issued a news release, urging the public to assist in identifying two individuals. One of them was seen riding a black snowmobile with yellow skis, dressed in black pants and a black and gray jacket, along with a silver metallic helmet. The other individual was operating a black and white snowmobile, wearing fluorescent orange pants, a black jacket, and a black helmet. The officials believe that both of these individuals are local residents.
Local citizens have come together to offer a $350 reward for anyone who assists in locating the riders. Bachleda Studio, in a statement on Wednesday evening, announced that they would contribute $250 to the reward for the individual who provides information leading to the arrest of these reckless riders. Following this generous pledge, another resident from Lebanon County reached out to Michael Bachleda at Bachleda Studio and offered an additional $100 to support the cause. Bachleda expressed hope that this act of kindness would inspire others to also contribute to the effort.
If you have any information about the identity of the two snowmobile operators, please get in touch with the Pennsylvania Game Commission through their hotlines at 1-833-PGC-HUNT (Southeast Region) or 1-888-PGC-8001 (Operation Game Thief Hotline). Alternatively, you can submit tips online using this reporting form.
