The Bald Eagle was Found in a Plastic Bag, Breasted Out, with its Talons and Part of a Leg Missing
Released by Tina Shaw, fws.gov
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information regarding a dead bald eagle that was recently found on Minnesota Department of Transportation property in Freeborn County, just south of Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Evidence has been gathered from the scene and a criminal investigation is currently underway. The eagle was found in a plastic bag, breasted out, with its talons and a portion of one leg missing. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information which leads to the conviction of any responsible party. Conservation Officers from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are assisting in the investigation.
The group, Turn in Poachers, Incorporated is assisting, by providing concerned citizens a confidential way to share relevant information about the investigation. Those with information should call the Turn in Poachers TIP line at 800.652.9093, or contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement at 651.778.8360.
The bald eagle is currently protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The killing or possession of a bald eagle — or its parts — is a violation of both Acts, punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $100,000.
Learn more about the protected status of bald eagles by visiting this US Fish and Wildlife Service web page: www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle.
