Resource enforcement officers are seeking the public’s help in their investigation into recent reports of caribou poaching in the Stephenville Crossing area.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture says several caribou were shot and left, while other caribou appear to have been shot and removed.

The area where the poaching occurred is not within a designated caribou management area, and is having an impact on herds that overwinter in the Stephenville Crossing area.

The department says hunting adds more stress on caribou already affected by a harsh winter season.

The maximum penalty for illegal hunting during a closed season is $5,000 dollars and a jail term of up to six months.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officials anonymously by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.