Arizona
$6.5K reward as Arizona officials investigate the killing of a desert bighorn sheep near Gila Bend
GILA BEND, Ariz. (AP) — State wildlife officials are investigating the illegal killing of a desert bighorn ship in southwest Arizona and teaming up with local hunting and conservation groups to post a $6,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department said Friday the carcass of the adult ram was found not far from a farm field near Gila Bend, about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix. It apparently had been shot and left for dead around the weekend of Jan. 13, investigators said.
The Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, Arizona Deer Association and Arizona Antelope Foundation are contributing a combined $6,000 to the reward and the state department’s Operation Game Thief another $500, authorities said.
Search is on for suspect who killed desert bighorn sheep
“There is no justifiable reason to poach an animal during a closed season and leave it to waste. Poachers are not hunters or sportsmen; they are criminals who are stealing from the residents of Arizona,” said Travis Clarkson, a wildlife manager in the department’s Yuma region.
“Due to the location of the crime scene, a hunter, an off-highway vehicle user, or a field worker near the area may have seen something or heard something that may assist officers in solving this case,” he said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at 1-800-352-0700.
In Part Two of Arizona’s Family First Alert Weather Monsoon 2026 special, meteorologists Ian Schwartz and April Warnecke explore the beautiful yet incredibly dangerous nature of monsoon lightning.
Did you know the state of Arizona experiences an average of 600,000 lightning strikes every single year? Our team breaks down the science of how these strikes form and details the catastrophic threat of “dry lightning”—the leading spark behind some of our state’s most historic wildfires. We look back at the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire, which scorched 145,000 acres and destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, as well as the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013, which claimed the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots.
We also share the incredible survival story of hiker Scott Courtright, who was struck by a bolt of lightning while atop Humphreys Peak. While there is a 90% survival rate for lightning strikes, 80% of survivors suffer lifelong health impacts, including neurological damage, depression, and PTSD. Ian and April debunk common lightning safety myths (like the belief that rubber shoes or “Crocs” will protect you) and explain why you should avoid taking a shower or using corded electronics during a storm.
Plus, Jennifer Armbruster from the Arizona Humane Society joins us with her dog Bubbles to share vital summer safety tips for your pets. We highlight why it is actually illegal in the city of Phoenix to keep a dog tethered outdoors during a monsoon warning.
Finally, we look at the official climate outlook for the rest of the Monsoon 2026 season and explore how an emerging El Niño setup could bring much-needed rain—and cooler, cloud-covered days—to our dry desert.
Stay safe and stay weather aware this monsoon season. Watch the full episode now!
Local law enforcement in Arizona are increasing efforts to address unlawful behaviors from visitors in the neighborhood where Nancy Guthrie resided. Following Guthrie’s disappearance from her home on January 31st, residents have reported a surge in dubious activities, prompting the sheriff’s office to take action.
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