Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers are seeking the public’s assistance regarding a bald eagle that was illegally shot with a firearm on Lower Cow Creek Road near West Fork Cow Creek Road in southern Douglas County.
An OSP report said last Thursday at about 9:00 a.m. troopers responded to a reported bald eagle that was deceased in the Lower Cow Creek area. Upon examination by Fish and Wildlife troopers and personnel from Umpqua Wildlife Rescue, it was determined that the bald eagle died after being shot by a firearm. The report said it is believed that the bald eagle had been deceased for one to two days before being reported.
In conjunction with the Turn in Poachers program and the Oregon Hunters TIP reward fund, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the criminal conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting. The bald eagle is currently protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The killing or possession of a bald eagle or its parts is a violation of both Acts, punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $100,000.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact OSP through the Turn in Poachers program at 1-800-452-7888.