Two Teens Sought for Harassing Wildlife

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Teens sought for harassing wildlife
Photo: Branko Kannenberg/Wikimedia Commons

Two teenagers are being sought in Logan after allegedly shooting at ducks. This incident could potentially result in charges of harassing wildlife.

Boys Will be Boys?

According to a report from KSL News, on Monday, Oct. 27, a man who lives near Willow Park in Logan approached two boys who were shooting at ducks using airsoft pellet guns.

When he arrived, the two boys tried to hide the guns in the bushes, but after the man told them harassing wildlife was illegal and that the ducks were protected by law, the boys turned over the guns to the man. He told them he was going to give the guns to the police if they wanted to get them back.

While many comments on various websites are criticizing the man, law enforcement, and media for an action that they consider simply “boys being boys,” others have been quick to point out that harassing wildlife can lead to more serious crimes later in life—such as continued animal abuse or human abuse—if not addressed. This story comes at the same time as another story has surfaced about Utahn “Super Dell” Dell Schanze being charged with wildlife harassment for chasing and kicking a barn owl.

Harassing Wildlife Penalties

According to Utah Code 23-20-4, harassing wildlife falls under “Wanton destruction of protected wildlife.” This is sometimes referred to as “poaching” if the animal is killed, however, the code states that a person is guilty if they “capture, injure, or destroy” protected wildlife. While some comments on the story claim an airsoft gun wouldn’t injure the duck, other comments point out the fact that it is legal to hunt ducks with airsoft guns.

Regardless of this dispute, harassing wildlife can carry a penalty from a third degree felony to a class B misdemeanor depending on the perceived value of the animal, with the felony being for an offense over $500 and the class B misdemeanor for under $250. The code gives a list of animals and their values. Ducks would be considered a “game bird” valued under $15.

While some are questioning the validity of this charge, especially as it relates to juveniles, harassing wildlife is still a crime. If your child has been charged with this or any other crime, make sure to seek the assistance of an experienced juvenile defense attorney.