Authorities hunting bighorn sheep poacher

Fish and wildlife officers are hoping the public can help them track down a poacher who killed five bighorn sheepnear Pincher Creek in southern Alberta.

The animals were discovered on Dec. 22 and Jan.14, with the two ewes left to rot andthe heads and capes ofthree rams removed, district officer Perry Abramenko said.

Someone is likely looking to sell the trophies on the black market, he said.

"Depending on the buyers and where these bighorn sheep heads end up, or where they try and sell them, they could fetch anywhere from several hundreds to several thousands of dollars."

Bighorn sheep hunting, whichis only allowed in certain parts of Alberta in late summer and fall, requires a licence. Hunters killed 213 of the animals in the 2006hunting season.

Poachingon a first offence ispunishable by a fine of up to $50,000 a year, imprisonment or both for each animal killed.

Abramenko urged anyone who knows anything about the poaching should telephone the poacher reporting line at 1-800-642-3800.