There are multiple wild animals suffering in Southern Colorado because of injuries caused by blow darts. "It’s not legal and we’re asking people to basically knock it off," said Colorado Parks and Wildlife , Area Wildlife Manager, Frank McGee. Wildlife officers are dealing with numerous incidents reported over the past couple of weeks. They suspect more than one person is involved because of numerous reports and multiple locations.
Ducks, geese, rabbits, and squirrels have all been found with blow dart injuries. One rabbit was dead. Incidents have been reported from Willow Spring pond in Fountain, Quail Lake on the southwest side of Colorado Springs, at the ponds along the Kissing Camels golf course, and at Sinton Pond just off of Interstate 25 north of Fillmore Street.
Animals hit with the darts suffer. "These animals are being injured and most of these blow gun darts are not capable of killing the animal at least not quickly or humanely," said McGee. The darts can cripple the animal and cause infections.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers want the public aware of the situation so they are watching and reporting any incidents of wild animals illegally targeted by blow darts. Potential charges for anyone caught injuring or killing with blow darts include: harassment of wildlife, hunting small game without a license, illegal taking of wildlife and hunting out of season.
