The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the shooting of a bald eagle that was discovered dead in a field just north of Bartoszek Road in Harris Township in Menominee County on April 21.

A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information which leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting the eagle.

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, the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Michigan Endangered Species Protection law. Under these laws, a person may not kill, harass, disturb or otherwise harm bald eagles.

Bald eagles, the national emblem, are one of two species of eagles found in the United States. The image of the bald eagle has had great significance in the formation of the U.S.

Anyone with information concerning the shooting of the bald eagle is asked to contact the Department of Natural Resources Marquette Operations Service Center at 906-228-6561, Special Agent Jim Fuller with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 989-686-4578 or the DNR's Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline at 800-292-7800.