Poachers kill 26 endangered reindeer on Sakhalin

The remains of 26 wild reindeer have been found on northern Sakhalin, reports RIA Novosti. This species is endangered in the region.

Local residents discovered the remains and circulated a video showing bloody reindeer carcasses on social media on February 24. Witnesses say that poachers chased the animals on snowmobiles. They decapitated the reindeer, butchered the carcasses, and dumped the remains.

The regional prosecutor has opened an investigation. The Sakhalin Forestry and Hunting agency says that the poachers face criminal liability and mandatory compensation for the damages. Poaching carries a prison term of three to five years.

There are believed to be around 2,000 wild reindeer on Sakhalin.