An immature bald eagle was found shot to death along the Cimarron River near Yale, Oklahoma marking the sixth bald eagle death in 2011. Two weeks ago a brutal case of suspected cruelty towards the bald eagle went under investigation Louisiana when the state's wildlife department found a beheaded bald eagle in a drainage ditch in Franklin Parish. One would think that many of the birds were just mistaken for legal game when killed. And many states allow American Indians to hold possession of eagle feathers and parts for ceremonies, as long as they have the proper permits. But the bald eagles killed this year were shot, targeted and in the case at Franklin Parish beheaded. most will agree that animal cruelty charges should and will be sought.
The bald eagle is bird of prey unique only to North America. Its one of the main reasons our forefathers adopted the bald eagle as our national emblem on The Great Seal in 1792. The bird was on the brink of extinction the 1950’s but environmental laws enabled the bald eagle to make a strong comeback. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service placed the bird on a post delisting monitoring program to ensure that the eagles continue to thrive.
Besides Okahoma and Louisiana, three other states reported bald eagles being shot this year. Iowa and North Carolina each reported a case while Tennessee had two incidents where the bird was shot. A conviction for killing or beheading a bald eagle could bring up to a $250,000 fine and two years in prison. In most cases, advocates and state authorities determine a reward amount for those who can provide information about a bald eagle being killed. Tennessee actually has a $17,000 reward for the two bald eagle deaths ($8,500 per bird).
Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and provisions under the Lacey Act. Those with information regarding the bald eagle killings may call anonymously to Ken Dulik, special agent with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at 605-885-6403.
Source: U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Service
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