The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are investigating the shooting of a bald eagle that was discovered near the U.S. Forest Service’s Bubbling Springs Firing Range along Highway 107, northeast of Del Rio, in Cocke County, Tennessee. The shooting may have occurred during the week of November 19, 2006 in a different location. The eagle’s body may have been transported to this location where it was discovered on November 25, 2006. A reward of up to $3,500.00 is being offered for information which leads to the conviction of the person who shot the eagle.

Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Endangered Species Act, all federal wildlife statutes. Violations of these statutes carry maximum criminal penalties of up to $100,000 and/or one year in federal prison.

Anyone with information concerning the shooting of the bald eagle is asked to call Special Agent Ryan Noel with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Nashville, Tennessee at 615/736-5532 or Lead Wildlife Officer Scott Hollenbeck, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800/831-1174.