When rangers Scott Hall and Beth Kolb arrived, the three rangers contacted the four collectors and found that they had over 1,700 fossil specimens in their possession. One of the offenders was a geology student from the University of Wisconsin. Evidence seized included geology ledgers and disassembled, fossilized turtle shells. The ranger also learned that the foursome had been collecting fossils in the park for two days. During follow-up interviews, critical information was obtained regarding the illegal sale and trade of fossils within areas surrounding the park.
Charges are pending.
The U.S. Attorney's Office will prosecute. Scientists are investigating the animal's behavioral interactions with humans and determining the home range and distribution patterns of mountain lions within the Redwood Creek watershed. Three of the nine collared lions have been killed to date - two by poachers and a third by a neighboring landowner reportedly protecting his dog when the lion appeared on his property. Hunting of mountain lions is illegal in California. Rangers Leigh Zahm and Eric Ulitalo began a search of the waterway and found the couple at 11 p.m.