The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are offering up to $3,500 in reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting of two golden eaglets in Iron County. The eaglets were found yesterday, June 14, at a historic eagle nest site north of the Iron County Firing Range near the Three Peaks Recreation Area.
Two eaglets, within a week or ten days of being able to fly, were killed at the nest site. A third eaglet managed to escape the poachers and was recovered at the bottom of an adjacent pit approximately 100 feet deep. This male eaglet is being treated for its injuries and will be in rehabilitation for some time. A preliminary examination of the two eaglets indicated that the shooting occurred within the past few days.
The nesting site, often referred to as the iron mine site, has been a productive location for golden eagles for more than twenty years. Eagles can mate for many years and have been known to replace a mate if one should die. Historically, this nest has produced one to two young annually. But this year was a rarity, triplets, an uncommon occurrence for eagles anywhere. This is a tremendous loss for the many wildlife viewers and photographers who have been following their progress for the last few months.
Golden Eagles are protected by both federal and state law. Violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is a federal offense carrying a maximum penalty of $100,000 fine and one year in jail for the killing of an eagle.
Callers with information may remain anonymous. Please contact one of the following individuals:
Special Agent Bonnie Bell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cedar City Office: 435.865.0861
Sergeant Brian Shearer, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Southern Region: 435.865.6100
Utah ; Division of Wildlife Resources - Help Stop Poaching Hotline: 1-800-662-3337
