Sugar Camp, WI – A father and son have been sentenced for illegally poisoning wildlife on their extensive Oneida County property, resulting in the deaths of numerous animals, including protected bald eagles. Paul Sowinski, 46, and his father, Alvin Sowinski, 78, both of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, were sentenced on August 4, 2014, following a lengthy investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The investigation, initiated in 2007, revealed a pattern of deliberate poisoning using the insecticide Carbofuran. Law enforcement discovered multiple bait sites containing the toxic substance, intended to eliminate predators such as fishers, bobcats, coyotes, and wolves. However, the indiscriminate use of the poison led to the deaths of a wide range of non-target species. Evidence pointed to Alvin Sowinski actively placing these bait sites between 2007 and 2010, while Paul Sowinski admitted to knowing about the practice, and even concealing evidence of eagle deaths on the property.
Authorities first became suspicious after discovering several dead animals near a deer carcass suspected of containing poison. Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed the presence of Carbofuran in the remains of a bald eagle, crow, gray squirrel, and bobcat. Further searches of the Sowinski’s 8,000-acre property uncovered the carcasses of 18 crows and ravens, three chickadees, one nuthatch, one turkey vulture, one blue jay, five coyotes, one bobcat, one skunk, one red squirrel, and three ermine – many also testing positive for Carbofuran poisoning. The remains of two bald eagles and a rough-legged hawk were also found, though confirmation of poisoning in those birds proved inconclusive.
Paul Sowinski’s involvement extended beyond knowledge of his father’s activities. He confessed to disposing of two dead eagles found near his deer stand by throwing them into the woods, and intentionally burning another bald eagle found on the property, fearing investigation and repercussions. This act of concealment further complicated the investigation and demonstrated a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. The use of antifreeze in one bait site also raised concerns about the extent of the Sowinskis’ disregard for wildlife and environmental regulations.
Penalties and Legal Violations
Both defendants pleaded guilty on May 14, 2014, to violating 16 U.S.C. 668(a), a federal statute protecting migratory birds, including bald eagles, under the Eagle Protection Act. Alvin Sowinski received the harsher sentence, a $30,000 fine, a seven-year ban on hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges, $100,000 in restitution, and one year of probation with four months of home confinement. Paul Sowinski was sentenced to a $10,000 fine, a five-year ban on hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges, $100,000 in restitution, and one year of probation.
Key Facts
- Defendants: Alvin Sowinski, 78, and Paul Sowinski, 46
- Location: Sugar Camp, Oneida County, Wisconsin
- Crime: Illegal poisoning of wildlife with Carbofuran
- Victims: Numerous animals, including bald eagles, bobcats, coyotes, and various bird species
- Statute Violated: 16 U.S.C. 668(a) (Eagle Protection Act)
- Penalties: Fines up to $30,000, loss of hunting/fishing privileges, restitution, and imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney John W. Vaudreuil emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that “wildlife in Wisconsin is for all of us to treasure, and indiscriminate, illegal killing will not be tolerated.” The case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting endangered species and enforcing environmental regulations, with representatives from the DNR, USFWS, EPA, and Oneida County Sheriff’s Department all contributing to the successful prosecution.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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