The N.C. Wildlife Federation is offering $5,000 for information about the recent elk killings that directly leads to an arrest or other official action.

The three elk were killed around May 18 in the Mount Sterling area of Haywood County just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“A $5,000 reward will hopefully entice anyone with information to come forth,” said Tim Gestwicki, executive director of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. “We are providing these resources to underscore the seriousness we place on the poaching of this iconic species.”

The poached elk were part of a reintroduction program by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that began in 2002. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wildlife violations number at 800.662.7137.