Authorities in Oregon are asking the public for help identifying the person or persons responsible for killing a state-protected bald eagle.
The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division issued a news release Tuesday explaining that the bald eagle carcass was discovered by a citizen Nov. 30 in Cox Butte west of Junction City.
“Bald Eagles and other raptors are protected in Oregon,” OSP Fish & Wildlife stated. “They commonly inhabit the Willamette Valley and are an important part of the wildlife ecosystem. It is illegal to harass, injure or kill a Bald Eagle.”
OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers are seeking the public’s assistance in the identification of the person(s) responsible for killing a Bald Eagle in the Junction City area: https://t.co/MzCajCAx97#StopPoaching pic.twitter.com/pPKuwvKXMP
— OSP Fish & Wildlife (@OSP_Fish) December 14, 2021
The agency is asking citizens to call its tip line at 1-800-452-7888, or to reach out via text or email if they possess information related to the investigation.
Penalties for killing a bald eagle in Oregon include a maximum fine of $6,500 and up to a year in jail, plus an additional $5,000 in damages.
–Bald eagle image courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service