Another bald eagle found shot in north Arkansas, substantial reward offered for information
VIOLA - Another bald eagle has been shot in north Arkansas. The latest bird is dead, unlike the wounded but recovering eagle found Christmas Eve.
State and federal wildlife enforcement officers are investigating the killing of an adult eagle near Viola in western Fulton County. The dead bird was found by a landowner Monday near a deer carcass. It had been shot through the head.
Wildlife officer Scott Watkins of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, stationed in Fulton County, is coordinating the investigation along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers in Conway. Another investigation into the shooting of the eagle found Christmas Eve is also underway. This bird was captured by two fishermen on the Spring River near Imboden and is recovering under the care of Dr. Archie Ryan, Jonesboro veterinarian and licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
A reward of up to $2,500 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and up to $1,000 from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission can be paid to persons who supply information leading to a conviction in an eagle killing case.
Heavy penalties, both federal and state, can be assessed for killing or injuring eagles. The national symbols are protected under several laws. One of these, the federal Eagle Act, provides of a fine up to $100,000 and/or a year in jail for killing an eagle. A second offense carries an even higher penalty.
Anyone with information on the killing of the eagle found in Faulkner County is urged to phone Watkins at (870) 895-4947, the Fish and Wildlife Service at (501) 513-4474, or the Game and Fish Commission’s 24-hour hot line at 1-800-482-9262. All information will be kept confidential and callers’ identities will be protected, officers said.
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