The eagle was discovered by commercial fishermen, who alerted Treehouse Wildlife, Inc., a wildlife rehabilitation facility located in Brighton, Illinois. The bird was retrieved and is receiving treatment for shotgun pellets in its wings.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Special Agent Timothy Santel is investigating the case. According to Santel, the eagle was unable to fly, indicating it was shot on or near Eagles Nest Island, probably within a few days of being found. The area is popular with waterfowl hunters; duck hunting season ended December 16, and the goose hunting season continues.
"We need the help of the public in identifying whoever is responsible for injuring this magnificent bird," Santel said. "It is discouraging to know that there are still people who believe it is acceptable to shoot at eagles and other protected birds."
Santel said the reward is offered under provisions of the Bald Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits "taking," or killing, as well as possession and of and commerce in bald eagles. The act authorizes up to $2,500 for information about eagle shooting incidents. Santel added that additional reward monies are also available.
Bald eagles are classified as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, which prohibits killing, harming, or harassing wildlife listed as threatened or endangered. Bald eagles are also protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a Federal law aimed at conserving waterfowl, songbirds, raptors such as eagles and hawks, and other bird species.
Violations of the Endangered Species Act carry penalties of up to $100,000 and 1 year in prison. Under the Bald Eagle Protection Act, first offenses may result in a $100,000 fine and 1 year in prison; second offenses are treated as felonies. Persons convicted of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act face up to $5,000 in fines and 6 months in prison.
Santel encourages anyone with information on the eagle shooting to contact him at 217-793 9554 or the Target Illinois Poacher hotline at 1-800-252-0163. Callers may remain anonymous.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses more than 530 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. For further information about the programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region, please visit our home page at: http://midwest.fws.gov
