Reward Offered in Bald Eagle Killing
The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing a mature bald eagle in Ford, Wash.
The Case: According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the bald eagle was found shot during the weekend of March 6. The bird was found on the south bank of Long Lake off Long Lake Road. “This wanton act of poaching is an affront to wildlife and to the laws that protect these animals,” said Dan Paul, Washington state director for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for thoroughly investigating this incident.”
The person or persons responsible face up to a year in prison and fines of up to $100,000. Bald eagles are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Poaching: * Wildlife officials estimate that for every wild animal killed legally — tens of millions of animals per year — another is killed illegally.
* Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 percent to 5 percent of poachers are caught.
* Poachers injure or kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways.
* The HSUS works with state wildlife agencies to offer rewards of $2,500 for information leading to arrest and conviction of suspected poachers.
The Investigators: Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Spokane office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement at 509-928-6050. The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit www.humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.