Photo: Getty Images
A drone was found on or about May 13 after it crashed in Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve's critical habitat nesting area for elegant terns, forcing about 2,500 of the birds to flee and leave behind 1,500 eggs.
According to Cbs, the $5000 reward is being offered by the Animal Legal Defense Fund for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the drone crash.
"Sanctuaries like Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, are established so that wildlife have a safe place away from urban sprawl, light pollution, and other human interference, to thrive in natural conditions. The blatant disregard for the law, and wellbeing of these birds and their offspring, is a concern we should all share." said Stephen Wells, executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
California Fish & Wildlife are seeking misdemeanor charges against the drone operator. If convicted, the maximum penalty is up to a year in county jail, a maximum fine of $20,000 if convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty, which includes destruction of wildlife.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-888-334-2258