Increased Reward Offered for Information on
the Killing and Mutilation of two Bald Eagles near St. Louis
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has increased the reward being offered for information on this case to $10,000. A reward of up to $5,000 per bird is being offered for information leading 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.
John and Michele Hopkins, St. Louis area residents, heard about the killing of these bald eagles and donated the additional money needed to increase the reward. "On a vacation to Alaska last year with my grandchildren we had the opportunity to see and learn about bald eagles," said John Hopkins. "These birds are important to our culture and if this extra reward helps bring whoever did this to justice, it is money well spent."
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Tim Santel says some information has been given to investigators; but they need a few more details. "We hope this additional reward -- and the increased publicity it brings -- will be enough to get us the final few details we need to make an arrest. Id also like to thank the Hopkins family for their generosity," added Santel. "It is very inspirational to know that wildlife can still impact people in such a profound way."
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 -- 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.
