State and federal enforcement agents are seeking information about the killing of two bald eagles in Plaquemines Parish, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced today (Dec. 8).
The killings of the southern bald eagles, which are federally protected, occurred within the past several days on the East Bank, according the LDWF and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The investigation was prompted when Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Roy Lally discovered the first dead eagle along the Mississippi River levee near the town of Phoenix. During a search of the area where that eagle was found, LDWF Lt. Robert Martin found a second dead eagle.
Agents believe both eagles were killed using the same method. The birds were delivered to the USFWS for forensic testing to determine cause of death.
The southern bald eagle is listed on the Endangered Species list, and fines up to $100,000 may be imposed for shooting or injuring the bird. Anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the guilty party is eligible for significant cash rewards.
Anyone with information is asked to call Special Agent Stephen Clark at the USFWS office in Lacombe at 985.882.3756 or the LDWF Operation Game Thief Hotline at 800.442.2511.