A Durango-based non-profit is pledging big bucks to help solve cases related to wolf poaching in Colorado.

According to a November 20 press release, Rocky Mountain Wolf Project has launched a $50,000 anti-poaching reward for those who come forward to share information that leads to charges against someone who illegally kills a wolf in Colorado.

The Colorado Wolf Reward from Rocky Mountain Wolf Project would complement rewards from Operation Game Theft, which vary but would likely fall in the range of $500 to $1,000 for a wolf killing.

“The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project believes that increasing the funds available for responding to the illegal killing of wolves is necessary to raise the profile of wolf protection in the state and preempt targeted violence towards wolves during the initial stages of the reintroduction process to support law enforcement efforts,” reads the release on the matter.

The reward is a merging of pledges from various organizations, including Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, Wolf and Wildlife Project, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Sacred Wolf Foundation, and Lockwood Animal Rescue Center, along with others.

“While enforcement of, and imposition of penalties under, the law (i.e., fines, revocation of hunting privileges, or jail time) are probably the most effective deterrents to illegal activities, we believe that rewards may incentivize the public to ‘say something’ if they ‘see something’ regarding wolf poaching,” said Rocky Mountain Wolf Project’s Board Chair Courtney Vail.

Penalties for killing a wolf illegally in Colorado can vary, with fines of up to $100,000 and a year in jail possible if a case is pursued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Meanwhile, penalties established by federal law are similar, though fines are capped at $50,000.

The larger reward from the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project group is integrated with the existing Colorado Parks and Wildlife tipline.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and don’t have to testify in court, according to the press release. Call 1-877-265-6648 to make a report or email [email protected].