Reward for Bald Eagle Killer

Game officials search for person who shot a bald eagle

While the Pennsylvania Game Commission continues to try and determine who shot and killed a mature bald eagle earlier this month, they are getting some help in the form of a reward.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the game commission is offering a $250 reward and the Humane Society kicked in $5,000 more for information leading to an arrest.

"This was a senseless act," said Game Commission Southwest Region Director Pat Anderson. "Although still rare, only recently have sightings of eagles become more common in Pennsylvania. The fact that someone shot one is an absolute shame."

Wildlife Conservation Officer Shawn Harshaw tells WJAC-TV that some people riding all-terrain vehicles spotted the wounded bird on May 10 in northern Cambria County, about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh.

The bird died before it could be treated and an examination determined it was killed by a single shot from a small-caliber gun.

Wounding or killing the birds is a state and federal crime. The birds are no longer on the endangered species list, but are still considered a threatened species in Pennsylvania.

Investigators believe the bird was likely shot near where it was found, in Allegheny Township, not far from Loretto. That's because the wound was too serious for the bird to have traveled far.

In a press release, game officials say that a reward could be offered in this case.

Anyone with information on the killing is asked to call the agency’s Southwest Regional office at 724-238-9523 or 1-888-PGC-8001.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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