SALT LAKE CITY -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are investigating the shootings and poisonings of numerous bald eagles and golden eagles throughout Utah.
Since 2010, more than a dozen eagles have been shot or poisoned throughout parts of Utah, including Carbon, Emery, Millard, Summit and Utah Counties. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to the successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible for killing eagles.
In early 2012 in Utah County, a golden eagle was shot with a small caliber rifle from a white SUV.
Between December 2010 and February 2012, four golden eagles have been shot from one specific area in Millard County. In Carbon and Emery Counties several golden eagles have been shot.
In other areas of Utah eagles have been killed by poisons, to include Temic, Warbex and Furadan.
Bald and golden eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Penalties for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act can include up to one year in jail and a $100,000 fine per individual or $200,000 per organization. Penalties for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act include between six months and up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 per individual, depending on whether an individual is convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony.
Anyone with information concerning the shootings and/or poisonings of these eagles is asked to call U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office, Special Agent Richards at 435-734-6446, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Turn in a Poacher (UTiP) at 800-662-3337.
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