DNR investigating bald eagle shooting in Dubois County

Indiana Conservation Officers in conjunction with Federal Fish and Wildlife Officers are investigating the death of a bald eagle found in Dubois County.

Indiana Conservation Officers responded to northwestern Dubois County near the Pike County line to a complaint of a possible injured eagle Thursday morning.

Officer Kenny Tincher found the eagle in flooded timber and was able to transport it to a Federal Wildlife Rehabilitator. Efforts to rehab the eagle stalled as it was not able to keep food down.

X-rays showed bullet fragments in the body of the eagle and it was transported to the Indiana Raptor Center in Nashville, Indiana.  The eagle died while being taken to the raptor center.

Conservation officers are asking for help from the public in determining if there is a nest in the area with only one parent. Please contact the local office at (812) 789-9538 or call the TIP number at 1-800-TIP-IDNR.

Examination of the eagle showed it to have a brood patch common for eagles that are nesting. It is typical for one eagle to sit on the nest while the other eagle hunts for food. Losing a parent can be detrimental to survival of the young.

The eagle has been sent to a Federal Wildlife Forensics Center for evidence collection.

It is unknown where the nest of the eagle that was shot is located or how far the eagle flew before getting to weak to do so.

Conservation officers are asking for public help in determining if there is a nest in the area with only one parent. Please contact the local office at (812) 789-9538 or call the TIP number at 1-800-TIP-IDNR.

There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting.

Penalties for shooting an eagle can be up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500 to $1,000 depending if the case is sent to State or Federal court.