SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to a conviction of the person who fatally shot a bald eagle earlier this year in southern Utah.
The Center for Biological Diversity, an Arizona-based nonprofit that works to protect endangered species, announced the award on Thursday, days after Utah wildlife officials said they were seeking information in the case.
“It’s a tragedy that this majestic bald eagle was senselessly gunned down, and the perpetrator needs to be brought to justice,” said Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the center, in a statement. “I hope someone does the right thing and comes forward with information.”
On Tuesday, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said the bird was found injured on Feb. 29 in Cedar City. The raptor had suffered a bullet wound through its wing from what appeared to be a rifle shot.
“Unfortunately, the injuries were severe,” said DWR in a press release. “It was determined that the eagle would not recover, resulting in it needing to be euthanized.”
Those with information on the eagle were asked to contact the UTiP Hotline by calling 1-800-662-3337, by texting 847411, or through the DWR website or app.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, Utah is home to one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the country. Up to a third of the bald eagles this side of the Mississippi River overwinter in Utah.
Bald eagles have long been a symbol of the U.S., and they are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Violations can carry penalties over $100,000 in fines and a year in federal prison.
