Another bald eagle has been killed in the Chattanooga region and the federal government is putting up reward money for information that leads to a conviction for the crime.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials released a statement over the weekend announcing the reward. The eagle was found in a community east of Centre, Ala., in Cherokee County, near the intersection of County roads 13 and 637, officials said.
Anyone with information on the eagle killed in Alabama should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, in Wetumpka, Ala., at 334-478-7900.
Officials in Tennessee are also still seeking information in two bald eagle shootings; one in Meigs County reported Jan. 30 and another in Rhea County reported on Feb. 1.
“These birds hold a special place in Americans’ hearts,” FWS Resident Agent in Charge John Rayfield said in February of the Tennessee birds. “They are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and we need citizens who might have some information to come forward and help us investigate this crime.”
Bald eagles were declared an Endangered Species in 1978.
Eagle populations recovered, and the endangered status was removed in 2007. However, bald eagles are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Violations of these statutes carry a maximum criminal penalty of up to $100,000 and/or one year in federal prison. State charges may also apply.
Anyone with knowledge regarding these two shootings in Tennessee is asked to contact the TWRA, Region III office at 931-484-9571 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 615-736-5532.