Last week, Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced that it is seeking the public’s help in finding the person or people responsible for dumping 33 dead black vultures in the park. Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are a protected species, and the National Park Service (NPS) says it’s illegal to harm them.

In its press release detailing the unusual crime, Great Smoky Mountains National Park says the incident occurred mid-day on April 6. The perpetrator reportedly dumped the dead birds along the side of the road on Foothills Parkway West.

[RELATED: Viral Video: Vulture Joins Paraglider Mid-Air]

“Black vultures are a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and it is illegal to harm or kill them without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” the press release says. “Dumping of anything in a national park is illegal.”

If you have any information about the dumping of dead vultures at Great Smoky Mountains National park, NPS asks you to email with tips.  

Read more facts about the national parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Yosemite National Park

Header stock image by Philippe Gerber/Getty Images

The post 33 Dead Vultures Dumped at Great Smoky Mountains National Park appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.