Animal Slaughter Including 4 Bald Eagles in Arkansas Prompts Hunt for Suspects, $5k Reward Offered

The recent slaughter of several animals in Arkansas, which also included four bald eagles, has authorities searching for suspects. A reward money of $5,000 was offered by the authorities.

Four Dead Bald Eagles and a $5k Reward Offered

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), several animals were shot and killed in Marion County. A reward of up to $5,000 from USFWS is available to anyone who has information that could lead to the capture and conviction of the offender or offenders.

The eagles were discovered on February 13 close to Marion County Road 321, according to a press release. Additionally found shot to death nearby were a domestic dog, two red-tailed hawks, and a white-tailed deer.

Investigations were conducted by the USFWS and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regarding the matter. It was determined that the eagles were killed within the area of Pyatt sometime between mid-January and mid-February.

Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The maximum fine for breaking these laws is $250,000, and the maximum jail sentence is two years in federal prison, KNWA FOX24 reports.

Hunters and Bald Eagles

In March of this year, another incident involving the intentional killing of bald eagles was reported.

Authorities claim that two men broke into a private Nebraska property and shot a North American bald eagle intending to eat it. They are now being charged criminally.

The Stanton County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on Tuesday that the two men, aged 20 and 20, were cited for misdemeanor and unlawful possession of the eagle. According to the sheriff's office, both men reside in Norfolk.

Tuesday afternoon, at around 4 o'clock, deputies were called in response to a report of a car in a field near the Wood Duck Recreation Area. Deputies discovered the two men there and discovered that they had fatally shot the bird.

According to Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger, the men, who are natives of Honduras and cannot speak English, informed the deputies that they had shot a vulture, which required the deputies to use a translation app to interact with the men.

According to Unger, the men complied when a deputy requested to see the bird and then opened the trunk of their car, revealing an air rifle, a BB gun, and a dead North American bald eagle, USA Today reports.

Also Read: Red-Tailed Hawk with Rare Genetic Mutation Found Doused in Cooking Oil - Pennsylvania 

All About Bald Eagles

Since 1782, the bald eagle has served as the United States national emblem, and native people have long used it as a spiritual symbol. Although these regal birds don't have bald heads, their white feathers stand out against their chocolate-brown bodies and wings. Look for them flying alone, pursuing other birds for food, or gathering in large numbers during the winter. Bald eagle populations have flourished since they were protected from pesticides and hunting.

Bald eagles can be found near water, where they are likely to be searching for fish, according to All About Birds. Bald eagle populations across the country are at their peak in the winter when they can be seen in many states along rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The birds gather in large numbers to spend the winter at certain lakes and national wildlife refuges.

Related Article: American Bald Eagles Nesting in Michigan Nature Center, Observers Welcome