SALEM, Mo. — Missouri Department of Conservation agents are searching for suspects after a bald eagle was found shot and killed on Jan. 18 south of Salem, Missouri, the department said on Facebook.
The bird was found at the base of a tree near the on the south side of Route K, MDC said. The eagle was found with a gunshot wound from a rifle.
Anyone with information is asked to call MDC's Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111, where callers can remain anonymous and possibly earn a reward for information leading to an arrest.
Bald eagles are protected under the federal Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act, which was enacted in 1940.
"A violation of the Act can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website said. "Penalties increase substantially for additional offenses, and a second violation of this Act is a felony."
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