Missouri Department of Conservation asking public for info in bald eagle shooting

Caruthersville, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation is investigating the death of a bald eagle in the Bootheel area of the state. The agency posted on their Facebook page April 13 that the bird was found shot to death at an intersection.

Officials were asking local residents or visitors with information about how the eagle was killed to call 800-392-1111.

“The bald eagle is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects all kinds, I think over 1,000 types of migratory birds, but they are a federally protected species,” agent Hunter Ridenour said. “Which, of course, as conservation agents, we care about all wildlife, but this one is particularly important to us.”

Killing a bald eagle is illegal under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, a federal law that protects the bird, their nests, and their eggs. 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.

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