LAWRENCE COUNTY – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the shooting of a bald eagle in Lawrence County that occurred Friday.
Shortly before 4:30 p.m., a Lawrence County Animal Control Officer and employees of Brown County Indiana Raptor Center were notified by a landowner south of the White River near Dixie Highway of the discovery of an injured eagle. The eagle, which had recently suffered an apparent gunshot wound, was treated for injuries, but died shortly thereafter, according to a news release from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Indiana Conservation Officer Ryan Jahn took possession of the carcass Saturday and initiated an investigation into the shooting.
The killing of a bald eagle is a violation of the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Violators face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $100,000, according to Fox News.
As of 2008, bald eagles are no longer considered endangered in Indiana. Researchers still track data on bald eagles to monitor the health of the population and learn more about their behavioral patterns.
A reward is being offered to anyone with information concerning this investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Indiana Conservation Officers’ Central Dispatch at 812-837-9536 or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-TIPIDNR.
