The carcasses of 20 kangaroos have been found dumped in a creek between Murrumbateman and Gundaroo, in what is believed to be one of the largest illegal cullings in recent history.
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The bodies of the eastern grey kangaroos, all of which suffered gunshot wounds to the head, were discovered in Dicks Creek on March 20.
The finding comes as 10 kangaroos, also with headshot wounds, were reportedly dumped in the same location in April and June after the previous carcasses were removed.
Planning and Environmental Services director Chris Berry said while illegal cullings occurred, one of this scale was unusual and larger than any he had previously seen.
"It's not uncommon to get reports of illegal culls from time to time, but a number this large is quite unique," he said.
"Not in recent history have we had an illegal culling as large as this."
The event raises several issues with National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS) regulations, including the illegal killing of native animals, illegal dumping and water pollution.
Despite organised legal culls keeping the kangaroo population under control, NPWS' Alpine-Queanbeyan area coordinator Magnolia Sutcliffe said legal licenses were issued based on appropriate numbers and someone killing without a licence was in breach of the National Parks Wildlife Act.
"We issue licences based on a quota that comes about through rigorous surveys and not having a licence is committing an illegal act," she said.
In April the government's Conservator of Flora and Fauna authorised the shooting of 5000 kangaroos over two years including in reserves close to residential areas in central Canberra.
Harming of protected fauna, which includes kangaroos, is an offence carrying penalties of heavy fines and, in more severe cases, up to six months' jail.
According to Mr Berry, laws were necessary to protect native wildlife and those who committed the mass cull would likely face serious consequences if caught.
"Native fauna is something we value within this society and we put these laws in place to protect them," he said.
"There's no doubt in my mind that if the perpetrators of this action are found they'll feel the full force of the law.
"If it were one or two kangaroos they might get a wrap over the knuckles so to speak, but this goes far beyond that and they'd be worthy of a significant fine."
Ms Sutcliffe said the National Parks and Wildlife Service was taking the issue very seriously and investigations were underway.
According to Mr Berry his office was working closely with the service but said it would be difficult to identify the perpetrator.
"It's my understanding that a few of the kangaroos have been taken to a local veterinary hospital for a post-mortem and the service is following up inquiries," he said.
"But unless there's an eye witness it's going to be very difficult to find the perpetrator."
