|
 Conservation Police responded to a call Saturday, March 14 about
an eagle in a farm field.
The eagle was captured, by officers, and transported to the Illinois
Raptor Center in Decatur for treatment.
An examination conducted by Raptor Center personnel determined the
eagle’s injuries were caused by a gunshot. Despite receiving
emergency medical treatment, the eagle died.
During its examination, a brood patch – an area of featherless skin
on the bird’s underside - was discovered on the female eagle.
Experts confirmed eagles are currently nesting and commonly have 2-3
eggs. The presence of a brood patch, on the dead eagle, indicates
she had a nest likely containing eggs. The eggs will not hatch
without care.
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Eagles are federally protected under The Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act. A violation of the Act can result in a
fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year, or both, for a
first offense.
The Illinois Conservation Police are conducting an
investigation.
If you have information about the shooting, contact Crime
Stopper in McLean County. Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards
of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and
indictment of people who commit felony crimes in McLean County.
Call 309-828-1111.
[Chris Young, Illinois Department of
Natural Resources] |
