Why would anyone shoot an Eagle?

Local Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officers found a dead bald eagle on an island in the South Fork of the Palouse River last week.

It had been shot by a rifle. Since it is a federal offense to kill an eagle, the case is being led by U.S. Fish and Wildlife who is partnering with local WDFW officers in the investigation. They are investigating the case and will determine what kind of rifle was used to kill the eagle. With that kind of evidence, they hope to find the person who shot the eagle.

When interviewing both officers, the question they couldn’t answer was why?

Why would anyone kill our national symbol? Was it a threat to livestock? Was it threatening a family dog or cat? Highly unlikely.

The local WDFW officer said the eagle was probably perched in a tree when it was shot. He said the eagle was probably feeding on the abundance of fish in the river including trout, bass and pike minnows.

Hikers walking the Colfax Trail first called WDFW about the eagle’s death.

Since the trail is well used, officials are hoping someone saw or heard something that will lead them to the person who shot the eagle. Some kind of monetary reward will be offered according to the USDFW agent.

If convicted, because of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, felony convictions can lead to a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years in prison. Bald eagles also are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is also a misdemeanor under Washington state law.

Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to call the USDFW at 509-928-6050.

Sally Ousley,

Gazette Reporter