A bald eagle and a Mexican gray wolf were found dead in the Gila region in southwest New Mexico on Saturday, November 5, 2005 announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Both the bald eagle and the wolf are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act.
The wolf has been identified as the Ring Pack Alpha Female #799.
The remains of both animals have been sent to the Service's forensic laboratory to confirm the cause of death. The results are pending.
The Service would like to hear from any individuals who may have information that could assist law enforcement with their investigation into the deaths. Individuals with information should call the Service's law enforcement office at 505-346-7828 or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263. Callers will remain anonymous." A reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information leading to the apprehension of the individual or individuals responsible for the wolf's death.
Killing either a bald eagle or a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act and can invoke criminal penalties up to $50,000 and / or up to one year in jail or civil penalties of up to $25,000. Bald eagles are also protected by other federal laws such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacey Act which carry their own penalties.
Visit the Service's website at http://www.fws.gov.
-http://southwest.fws.gov-
