Reward offered after bald eagle shot to death in Arkansas

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Investigators in Arkansas are offering a $5,000 reward after someone shot and killed a bald eagle in Cross County, Arkansas.

"I hate for it being a bald eagle. I just, I was very hurt" said Jimmy Craig, the man who found the bird Friday on the ground next to a fence. "I was up here, painting the ceilings, and I just happened to look out at the front there and there was a big bird laying out there and I just walked up to the window.”

>> Life-long maters Orv and Willa nesting eggs for third time at Carillon Park

A game warden determined the eagle died from a gun shot wound. The bird was taken to a veterinary clinic and then to a wildlife forensics laboratory for additional testing.

There are video cameras on a hunting lodge close to where the bird was discovered, but Arkansas Game and Fish would not comment on whether there is video of the bird being shot or anyone firing a shot at the eagle.

Whoever is responsible could face federal charges of up to $100,000 fine and a year in prison.

"We take these things very seriously. Although they are not considered endangered species any more, they are still federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act" said Randy Zellers of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

About the Author