A Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife officer says investigators have multiple suspects in the shooting of a 700-pound bull elk in northwestern Pennsylvania in October.
Officer Doty McDowell tells the Bradford Era that public tips have identified the same individuals as being responsible for shooting the animal about on Oct. 15 at about 3 a.m. in Benezette. That's 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
The animal had disabling wounds to its legs and had to be euthanized.
McDowell says poaching charges are also possible, because the animal was shot after dark.
But even without those more serious charges, the shooters could face up to three years in prison and $15,000 in fines, plus a $5,000 replacement cost for killing a trophy-class elk.
McDowell expects charges will be filed soon.
