Hunting: Two bighorn sheep in Jasper

Two bighorn sheep were decapitated by hunters in Alberta’s Jasper National Park last Tuesday, prompting the closure of part of the park, Parks Canada revealed Friday evening.

According to the organization, a park visitor walking near Jasper Lake north of the small town of the same name discovered the carcass of the first male bighorn goat on Tuesday.

“Parks Canada agents went to the scene and found the carcass of a second male mouflon nearby, without its head,” said a press release.

Parks Canada believes the poaching may have happened sometime between Monday afternoon and Tuesday.

Park officials are asking the public to come forward with information that could identify any suspicious persons or vehicles.

“Hunting is a serious offense under Canada’s National Parks Act. Park wardens have launched an investigation and may press charges. Information provided by the public is an essential component of investigations,” Parks Canada said in a statement.

Under the law, a hunter who kills a bighorn sheep could be fined up to $250,000 and imprisoned for up to 5 years.