Bird found April 4 near intersection of Hwy. 300 and Bayou Road in Verret, USFWS says
A bald eagle was found shot to death in St. Bernard Parish, and officials are offering up to a $7,500 reward for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official.
Special agent Ben Bryant said the juvenile eagle was discovered April 4 in Verret near the fire station at the intersection of Hwy. 300 and Bayou Road.
Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to a USFWS press release.
Violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act carry maximum criminal penalties of up to $15,000 and/or six months in federal prison. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act violations carry maximum criminal penalties of up to $5,000 and/or one year in federal prison for a first offense, the release states.
Anyone with information on the shooting should call the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Operation Game Thief line at 1-800-442-2511 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents Ben Bryant at 985-514-7115 or Stephen Clark at 504-214-2398.
Callers can elect to remain anonymous, Bryant said.
The reward is being offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Humane Society, the release states.
