Government agencies are investigating the shooting of a bald eagle near Crab Orchard in Cumberland County, published reports say.
The shooting is the second of a bald eagle in the immediate area in less than a month. Another eagle was found shot and killed in adjoining Bledsoe County. The shootings were roughly 30 miles apart.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials are investigating the shootings. The eagle in Cumberland County was found near the Crab Orchard School, while the Bledsoe County eagle was found in the Big Springs Gap Road area.
Both birds were examined by veterinarians after being found, and determined to have been shot. Both the eagles were mature with a white head and white tail.
The first person who provides information resulting in the successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible in these investigations will be eligible to receive an $8,500 reward (per bird).
Anyone with information concerning the eagles should call:
• Cumberland County – Special Agent John Rayfield at 615-736-5532, or Cumberland County Wildlife Officer Casey Mullen with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800-262-6704.
• Bledsoe County – Special Agent Bo Stone at 865-692-4024, or Bledsoe County Wildlife Officer Mark Patterson with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800-262-6704.
After a successful nationwide recovery program, bald eagles were taken off the Endangered Species list over three years ago, but are still protected by federal wildlife statutes, which can carry criminal penalties of up to $100,000 and/or one year in federal prison.
TWRA officials say Tennessee hosts just under 150 eagle breeding pairs, typically located near rivers and lakes, to accommodate their primary diet of fish.
Several governmental and human organizations and private donors have contributed to the reward money being offered.
