Reward offered in shooting of great blue heron

Reward offered to find whoever is responsible for shooting a great blue heron. (Wildlife Emergency Services)

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KGO) -- Wildlife officials are offering reward money to find whoever is responsible for shooting a great blue heron.

The wounded bird was found last week in Hollister. It was huddled in a corner in someone's backyard.

Wildlife officials rescue great blue heron that had been shot.

Wildlife Emergency Services

Officials with the SPCA for Monterey County Wildlife Center rescued the heron.

X-rays revealed the bird was shot with pellets from an air rifle.

X-ray shows great blue heron was shot with pellets from an air rifle.

Wildlife - SPCA for Monterey County

Supporters have raised more than $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.

The heron is now being cared for at the International Bird Rescue in Fairfield

Anyone with information can submit a confidential report through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CalTip line at 1-888-334-2258 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 650-876-9078.