Six tundra swans were recently found shot and killed near St. Maries.

Idaho Fish and Game is asking for the public's help to find those responsible.

The six were among thousands of migrating swans coming from California that stop in the Lower Coeur d'Alene River Basin before pushing on to breeding grounds in Alaska.

All were killed during a closed season and their bodies were left to waste, a press release said.

The swans are believed to have been killed the weekend of March 25-26.

The bodies were found about a mile upriver of St. Maries on Railroad Grade Road in a private, flooded field, the release said.

Tundra swans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, misdemeanor offenses under the act include fines of a maximum of $5,000 and/or imprisoned of not more than six months for individuals.

This year's return of the tundra swans has gone well, with a reported four fatalities due to eating food sources contaminated by waste from a century of mining waste in the Silver Valley.

Last year, more than 350 migrating swans died in the basin.

Anyone who might have seen or heard something related to the killing of the six swans is encouraged to contact Conservation Officer Dustin Horn at 208-916-6871 or call the Citizen Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Information can also be reported online.

A Citizens Against Poaching monetary reward will be requested for individuals who provide information which helps identify those involved and leads to charges.

Information can also be reported to the Panhandle Regional Office of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-769-1414.