On February 13, 2023, four bald eagles were found dead in Marion County, Arkansas.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are investigating the matter. Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a $5,000 reward for anyone who provides tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the death of the eagles.
In the United States, bald eagles are federally protected. Killing one of these birds can lead to up to two years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Since theyre federally protected, the incident is under a joint investigation involving federal and state authorities.
The incident at hand wasnt limited only to the four bald eagles. Authorities also found a domestic dog, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer with the birds. They note that the birds were likely shot between mid-January and mid-February.
Rob Finley, the commissioner for the Arkansas Game and Fish area where the birds were found, said they believe the eagles were shot from the road. He notes that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is heading the investigation, which included monitoring the area to determine if the violators would return, but they never returned to the site.
Bald eagles were once endangered but were taken off that list in 2007. Still, these birds remain under the protection of federal laws. The bald eagles migrate through Arkansas as they follow waterfowl to prey. An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission spokesperson notes that the influx into Arkansas usually occurs in winter.
Authorities ask that anyone who knows what happened to the four bald eagles contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (501) 513-4470. Alternatively, they can call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at (833) 356-0824.
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