Bull elk in a meadow.

Authorities in Arizona are seeking public assistance in a poaching case that involves the killing of seven elk and two bighorn sheep.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department investigation centers on a two-day poaching spree near Big Lake in the White Mountains.

On July 20, three cow elk carcasses were found at the Forest Roads 249E/24 intersection. The animals, which were left to waste, were believed to have been shot just before dark.

On July 27, the carcasses of three cow elk and one bull elk were discovered off State Routes 273 and 261, near the turnoff to the Big Lake campground. Additionally, the carcasses of two bighorn sheep rams were discovered along Forest Road 249 near Three Forks on the same day.

“If anyone has information regarding these despicable acts, please report it,” Kalyn Miller, an Arizona Game and Fish wildlife manager, stated in a news release issued Aug. 6. “This incident is the definition of poaching. Poachers are thieves who steal Arizona’s most precious natural resource.

"Not only did they kill six cow elk, but these poachers killed the future offspring that the elk would have produced.”

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered in the case. Anyone with potentially helpful information is asked to call 1- 800-352-0700 and refer to case #25-002272.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 'Despicable acts' – Someone is poaching elk, bighorn sheep in Arizona

Reporting by Pete Thomas, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect