My name is Chris Deal. I am a wildlife conservation officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission assigned to the Butler area.

The Game Commission’s role is to manage the wildlife and its habitat for current and future generations. Pennsylvania’s vast wildlife includes 480 species of birds and mammals.

A letter in the Butler Eagle by Mike Stecz of Clinton Township addressed his concern over the potential unlawful killing of wildlife. I applaud his willingness to bring this issue to light. Many people often choose to look the other way.

In addition to his comments, I would like to inform the Eagle’s readers of how they may report crimes against wildlife. These crimes are what a WCO specializes in investigating.

There are two main methods to report wildlife issues, complaints, or wildlife crimes. One is to contact your county’s assigned PGC Regional Office. In Butler County, that would be the Northwest Regional Office at 814-432-3187.

Another option is to report specific wildlife crimes by using the Game Commission’s new and dedicated Operation Game Thief phone number at 1-888-PGC-8001.

If you prefer not to speak on the phone, our online resource for Operation Game Thief is at www.pgc.state.pa.us. One just has to follow the Operation Game Thief link and report a wildlife crime by phone or computer. Providing your name and contact information is great, but you may remain anonymous if you wish.

No one should have to sit and watch the area’s wildlife be unlawfully taken. All it takes is a phone call to protect it.