CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A bald eagle was found injured with a gunshot wound through its wing earlier this year near Cedar City, leading to an investigation by conservation officers to find the culprit.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said the injured bird was found near 4500 West in Cedar City on Feb. 29. Conservation officers found the eagle had been shot through its wing with what appeared to be a rifle.
“Unfortunately, the injuries were severe,” said DWR in a press release. “It was determined that the eagle would not recover, resulting in it needing to be euthanized.”
The Bald Eagle, a symbol of the United States since 1782, has been federally protected from hunting since 1940. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits anyone from killing bald or golden eagles and taking their parts, including feathers, nests or eggs – unless they have a special permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior.
DWR said the person responsible for shooting the bald eagle near Cedar City will face a third-degree felony charge. According to the Protection Act, violations can result in a fine of $100,000 and one-year imprisonment.
Anyone with information regarding the injured bald eagle found near Cedar City is asked to contact DWR. Tips can be left with the UTiP Hotline by calling 1-800-662-3337, by texting 847411, or through the DWR website or app. You may also contact Officer Jeremy Butler at 435-310-0238.
A reward may be available for information leading to the successful prosecution of those responsible. Tips can be left anonymously as requests for confidentiality will be respected, according to DWR.
