Reward Offered for Information on Killing of Bald Eagles near St. Louis
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of $1,000, or more, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who recently killed two bald eagles north of St. Louis, Mo. It is not known if these incidents are connected.
On Jan. 10, 2009, the mutilated carcass of an adult bald eagle was discovered in St. Charles County, Mo. The eagle was found on the west end of the Clark Bridge, on the shoulder of Route 67 heading into West Alton, Mo. The eagles body was mutilated and likely thrown from a moving vehicle travelling from Illinois into Missouri. The eagle was decapitated and its feet and tail-feathers were also removed.
A second dead bald eagle was discovered on Jan. 17, 2009, in Calhoun County, Ill., by an Illinois Conservation Police Officer. The eagles carcass was found on Degerlia Hollow Road, near the intersection of Illinois Route 100, in Hardin, Ill. A forensic examination revealed the eagle had likely been shot from the road sometime between 7:15 Ð 9:15 a.m., on Jan. 17.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking anyone with information about these killings to contact either Special Agent Jason Bak with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Springfield, Ill., at (217) 793-9554 or call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources T.I.P.S Hotline at (800) 236-7529. Callers may remain anonymous.
Even though bald eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, bald eagles are still federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Maximum fines under the acts are $15,000 and $100,000 respectively with possible imprisonment up to one year.
A map showing the locations where the bald eagles were discovered is available here: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=38.975425,-90.387268&spn=0.7879,1.235962&z=10&msid=101000293829647178539.0004616623446136893c5
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov
