STARBUCK — The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking information on the shooting of a bald eagle and a golden eagle.
The first bird was found near Payne Hollow, close to the Columbia-Walla Walla county line two weeks ago, officials said. A radiograph scan revealed that the bird had been shot, probably five to seven days before being found.
The bird was alive, but so badly injured that it had to be euthanized, officials said.
A second eagle was found a day later in the Tucannon Habitat Management Unit downriver of Little Goose Dam.
A radiograph revealed a gunshot to the leg of the juvenile bird, officials said. Estimates are that this eagle was also shot a week prior to being found.
Shooting a bald or golden eagle is a federal crime as the birds are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
“Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, such activities are a misdemeanor violation with a maximum penalty of six months in prison and $15,000 fine,” officer Chase Copenhaver said. “The Bald and Golden Eagle Act also has a penalty for a first offense- a maximum fine of $5,000 and one year’s imprisonment.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Copenhaver at 509-730-0828. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward.
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