Bat Killers Wanted In Arizona

Arizona Game and Fish have reported someone has been shooting and slaying Mexican Free-tail bats in an abandoned mine east of Apache Junction. The bats were shot and either killed or left crippled and dying on the ground at the Peralta Trailhead in the Superstition Mountains between April 1st and April 10th.

Over 90 bats have been killed in the shooting incidents and the department is looking for help in identifying the people responsible. Callers may be eligible to receive up to $2,500 for the tip leading to the arrest of the suspects responsible.

Some information on the Mexican Free-tailed bat from Wikipedia:

The Mexican Free-tailed bat is known as one of the most abundant mammals in the US but because they cluster together in huge roosts they are prone to human disturbance from habitat destruction or other environmental disruptions. The largest colony known is in San Antonio, Texas and has an estimated 20 million bats in a single colony.

-Justin Germino