Crime & Safety

Wild Animals Shot Dead On Santa Rosa Plateau Prompts Urgent Public Alert

Hunting, shooting, trapping, and firearms are prohibited on the Reserve under a county ordinance and State of California Fish and Game code.

Two coyotes and one deer have been shot in recent days on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the killer.

According to Reserve Manager Carole Anne Bell, the animals were found fatally wounded near the Trans Preserve Trail. The coyotes were found in a creek bed as vultures circled, she explained.

Wildlife is protected on the Reserve, and staff there is warning the public to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling 911. Fliers posted along Reserve hiking trails also warn, “Do not attempt to contact anyone with a gun.”

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to calling 911, those with information can also contact the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve Visitor’s Center at 951-677-6951.

Hunting, shooting, trapping, and firearms are prohibited on the Reserve under a county ordinance and State of California Fish and Game code.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is a 9,000-acre protected open space situated west of Wildomar and Murrieta. The land has been set aside to protect ecosystems and more than 200 species of native birds and 49 endangered, threatened or rare animal and plant species.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.