This American bald eagle, with its tail submerged at the water’s edge, took refuge behind a log after it was shot down in Neshoba County. (Source: Paul Windham, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks)JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information on who shot a bald eagle multiple times in Neshoba County in early December.
The bald eagle was discovered on the Nanih Waiya Wildlife Management Area near the Coy Community in Neshoba County, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Authorities say the eagle was shot between Dec. 1-9. The eagle had to be euthanized due to the multiple shell pellet wounds in its wings, leg and eye.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks are investigating the shooting.
Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, both federal and state wildlife statutes, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Violations of the statues carry penalties of up to $100,000 and/or one year in prison.
Anyone with information concerning this eagle is asked to contact the USFWS's Jackson Office of Law Enforcement at 601-331-0292 or call the MDWFP Law Enforcement Bureau at 601-432-2074.
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