USFWS offers cash reward for information on poached eagle in Clinton County

Contact: Lt. Sherry Chandler, 517-641-4903 or, Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

Agency: Natural Resources

May 1, 2013

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the investigation of a poached bald eagle in Clinton County. USFWS is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for tips or information that lead to an arrest and conviction.

DNR conservation officers are seeking tips and information about a wildlife poaching incident that occurred on April 27 in Clinton County involving a bald eagle.

At about 11:40 a.m. Saturday, April 27, Officers Al Mendez and Jeff Walker responded to a complaint about gunfire and a dead bald eagle found near Alward Road adjacent to Highland Hills Golf Club in DeWitt. The caller saw the bird fall from the sky after the gunshots and retrieved the bald eagle and took it to Sleepy Hollow State Park to turn in to the DNR. Officers Mendez and Walker were then joined by Officers Jason Smith and Derek Miller to canvass the area around the golf club to look for evidence and suspect information.

Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to call the DNR's Report All Poaching (RAP) Line at 800-292-7800. Information can also be provided online at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers. Information can be provided anonymously. In addition to the reward offered by the USFWS, information leading to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a cash reward funded by the state's Game and Fish Protection Fund.

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.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.