Elk and deer were poached at Bandelier National Monument this past weekend/NPS file

Elk and deer have been poached at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, and law enforcement rangers are seeking the public's help in finding those responsible.

According to a park release, the elk was killed Sunday morning before 10:45 a.m. The incident occurred near Forest Road 289 approximately three-quarters of a mile from the intersection with New Mexico Highway 4.

Park rangers are also seeking information related to the illegal killing of a mule deer and the dumping of its remains on Los Alamos National Lab land near Gate 3, also known as the Knife Edge Trailhead. The remains also were discovered Sunday, with the animal likely killed the previous night.

If you have information about these incidents that could help investigators, call the Bandelier Crime Tip Line at 505-709-0077. Though you may remain anonymous, up to $3,500 is offered for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible.

The more than 400 sites across the National Park System preserve and protect the nation's unique natural and cultural heritage. When you visit, enjoy them and do no harm. Destroying, removing, and defacing any part of the national park or other public land you visit hurts, and it degrades the experience of other visitors.

Disturbing wildlife or damaging their habitats can directly lead to their demise. These acts are also illegal. You can help protect the National Park System by reporting something suspicious in any NPS location. You can talk to any NPS employee for help in reporting suspicious activity, or call the National Park Service's Crime Tip Line at 505-709-0077.