RUGGED JUSTICE

Animal Planet announced today the greenlight of RUGGED JUSTICE (wt) which follows Washington State's Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Program as they police the Evergreen State's unforgiving mountain terrains, twisted rainforest back roads and densely populated coastal areas. The six-episode series will premiere in early 2015.

In the vast terrain of Washington State, Department of Fish and Wildlife Police Officers are on the front lines. From the city, to the coast, to the desert, this elite force protects both wildlife and people. No matter the danger, these Officers tirelessly enforce the law.

"Our participation in the series provides an opportunity for the WDFW Law Enforcement Program to promote the Department and the dedicated professionals that carry out our mission of protecting our natural resources and the public we serve," said Deputy Chief Mike Hobbs. "We have a very unique brand of Law Enforcement specifically suited to police the outdoors."

WDFW Police Officers patrol more than 42 million acres of rugged terrain, half of it heavily forested and filled with wild animals - and often-dangerous people. The department's dispatchers relay more 225,000 calls annually. Each day brings new challenges and extreme danger. Whether tracking and capturing bears and cougars with the one-of-a-kind Karelian Bear-Dog Unit, busting poachers along the USA-Canada border or going undercover to take down traffickers in the illegal animal parts trade, the officers of RUGGED JUSTICE (wt) risk life and limb to protect natural resources and serve the people of Washington.

RUGGED JUSTICE (wt) is produced for Animal Planet by Shark Teeth Films. Adrian Carter, Tom Mudd and Alex Rader are the executive producer for Shark Teeth Films. For Animal Planet, Erin Wanner is executive producer and Hilary Tholen is associate producer. Samantha Lee developed this series for Animal Planet.