Environmental and animal-rights groups are offering $51,400 for information leading to a conviction in the poisoning of six wolves in northeast Washington early this year.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has been investigating the deaths for more than seven months.

Four poisoned wolves were found in late February in the Wedge wolf pack territory in Stevens County. Within a month, two more poisoned wolves were found in the territory.

Wolves are a state endangered species. Killing endangered wildlife is a gross misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

The Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Northwest, Defenders of Wildlife, Kettle Range Conservation Group, Northwest Animal Rights Network, Washington chapter of the Sierra Club, Washington Wildlife First and Western Watersheds Project contributed to the reward fund. 

Tips can be left on Fish and Wildlife’s poaching hotline, (877) 933-9847. Tips can also be sent by text to 847411.