Federal Agency Offers Reward for Arrest in Eagle Killing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened a criminal investigation after a bald eagle was found mutilated in a plastic bag near Albert Lea. 

Killing or keeping an eagle is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. 

Agency spokeswoman Tina Shaw said Friday that the eagle’s talons and part of one leg were cut off, as well as the breast meat, similar to the way a hunter would take the breast meat off a duck or pheasant.  But she says its not a hunting case, it’s poaching. 

Shaw says the carcass was found on the Minnesota Department of Transportation Property March 20 or 21. 

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to a conviction.