McLean County-Crime Stoppers of McLean County needs the public’s help in finding a person who fatally shot a federally protected bald eagle.
During the afternoon of Saturday, March 14, 2014, Illinois Conservation Police responded to a call in rural McLean County in-reference to an injured, adult, bald eagle in a farm field. The eagle was captured, by officers, and transported to the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur, IL for treatment. Initial assessments conducted by the raptor center suggested the eagle sustained injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, the eagle died. Forensic tests were conducted and verified the eagle had been shot which lead to its death.
Upon examination, a brood patch was discovered on the female eagle. Experts confirmed eagles are currently nesting and commonly have 2-3 eggs. The presence of a brood patch, on the shot eagle, indicates she had a nest, likely containing eggs. The eggs will not hatch without being tended to.
Eagles are federally protected under The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Illinois Conservation Police are conducting an investigation.
Crime Stoppers will pay cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of people who commit felony crimes in McLean County. Call 309-828-1111.
Photo Courtesy of DRN Conservation Police Facebook Page.
