Even though a month has passed since someone shot a bald eagle and left it for dead in Rocky Hill, State of CT DEEP Conservation Police and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are still working the case hard, canvassing area businesses in the hopes that someone will come forth with information. Attorneys Meghan Freed and Kristen Marcroft spoke with Conservation Police Officer Edward Yescott today about the ongoing investigation. The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust have offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
The immature eagle was found December 13 along Great Meadows Road in Rocky Hill, near a known eagle nesting spot on the Connecticut River. At the time it was believed the bird was hit by a car, but a preliminary examination by the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Oregon indicated that the eagle’s injuries were caused by gunshot.
Bald and golden eagles are protected under federal law by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The bald eagle is also listed as a threatened species under the state of Connecticut’s Endangered Species Act. A felony conviction carries a maximum $250,000 fine and up to two years in prison.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Environmental Conservation Police’s Emergency Dispatch Center at 860-424-3333 or toll free at 1-800-842-4357 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent at 860-871-8348.
