SUNLAND ESTATES, Wash. — Washington state wildlife officials are seeking information to identify those responsible for shooting a common loon and more than 20 coots in the Columbia River area.
According to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlif (WDFW) Police, officers discovered several dead birds along the river on Nov. 23 while patrolling near the Sunland Estates area. The birds were found between Quilomene Bay, upriver and Scammon Landing, downriver.
Police said they first located a dead common loon in the water downriver of Quilomene Bay. Upon inspection, they found small, bloody holes in the bird’s head and neck, consistent with shotgun pellets. No vessels or individuals were observed in the area at that time. Continuing their patrol, officers later found 20 dead coots and one wounded coot just upriver of Scammon Landing. An autopsy confirmed the birds were also shot with a shotgun.
The common loon was located approximately 11 miles upriver of Vantage, while the coots were found about 7 miles upriver of Vantage.
Following further investigation, police believe the incident occurred on Nov. 22 or the morning of Nov. 23. They suspect the shooter was in a boat at the time. Authorities are also seeking information about any boats, trucks, or trailers parked at local boat launches around that time.
Wildlife officials noted that the common loon (Gavia immer) is a state-sensitive species in Washington and is protected under both state and federal laws as a migratory, non-game species.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the WDFW Police at 360-902-2936, option 1, visit the department’s website to report a violation, or text WDFWTIP to 847411. Those who provide information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward or bonus points for special hunting permits.
