Illinois DNR Conservation Police seek public’s help in shootings of bald eagles

Two eagles found shot last month in southeast Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police are asking for information from the public about two recent incidents in southeast Illinois in which Conservation Police officers (CPOs) were notified of bald eagles that had been shot.

The first incident was discovered on February 5 when a mature bald eagle was found injured in Louisville, Illinois near the Little Wabash River. An x-ray determined the eagle had been shot. The bird is being treated at a wildlife rehabilitation center.

The second incident was reported on February 24 in southern Richland County when a dead bald eagle was recovered. An x-ray revealed that the mature eagle had also been shot.

Bald eagles are protected by federal law with violators facing up to one year in prison and fines up to $100,000.

In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of an individual or individuals involved in either of these cases. Anyone with information is asked the contact the Illinois Target Poacher Hotline at 1-877-236-7529 or any local IDNR Conservation Police officer, county sheriff’s office, or the Illinois State Police. Callers can remain anonymous.