The Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are offering a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect who poached a bald eagle in Otsego County near Johannesburg, likely in the period of Dec. 20-22.

DNR conservation officers in Gaylord were alerted to the eagle poaching by an area resident who discovered the bird dead near Brown Road. A preliminary examination by DNR veterinarians showed the cause of death to be a possible gunshot wound.

Anyone with information regarding this case can call the DNR's Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800 or DNR Law Enforcement at the Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541. Information can be left anonymously. Information leading to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a cash reward funded by the Game and Fish Protection Fund, along with the reward from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Poaching a bald eagle is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000, plus court costs, along with a $1,500 restitution payment to the state.

Bald eagles, the national emblem, are one of two species of eagles found in the United States. Bald eagles first received Federal and State protection in Michigan in 1940 and 1954, respectively. They continue to be protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Under these laws, a person may not kill, harass, disturb or otherwise harm bald eagles.