West Virginia Wildlife Federation

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Reporting poaching and other fish and wildlife law violations just got easier. The Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) has added a new website option for reporting activity that threatens fish, wildlife and critical habitat. Submitting a tip sends a message to DNR district office staff for response. The website can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/LEnforce/Poachers.shtm .

            "We have a limited number of Natural Resources Police Officers in the field, so the public plays a critical role in protecting our natural resources by reporting violations," said Lt. Col. Jerry Jenkins of the DNR Law Enforcement Section. "Submitting a report is a quick and easy way to report violations."

            DNR law enforcement officers ask anyone who witnesses a potential violation to collect as much information as possible without confronting the individual under suspicion. Jenkins said helpful information includes license plate numbers, vehicle color and make, the type of violation, the time it occurred and a description of the individual or individuals involved.

            "Reporting a crime with this form is anonymous," Jenkins said. "The Division of Natural Resources does not obtain any information that will identify the user of this system unless you are willing to give us your name and contact information."

            Go to www.wvdnr.gov/LEnforce/Poachers.shtm for more information about how to report emergency and non-emergency fish and wildlife violations. The site includes instructions and direct links to the email and online reporting options.