SALAMANCA – An up to $5,000 reward is offered for information that helps investigators looking into a fatal bald eagle shooting in Cattaraugus County.
Seneca Nation Fish and Wildlife officials say on November 20 they received a complaint about a large dead bird in a tree along the Allegheny River off Old Route 17.
A drone confirmed that the animal was a bald eagle. Days later, with help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the body of the banded, sub-adult female bird was recovered.
An examination determined that the bird had been shot.
Bald eagles, although no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Shooting a bald eagle can result in prison time up to one year, as well as up to $100,000 in fines.
Anyone with information that could help investigators solve the case is asked to call Manager Lawrence Becelia with Seneca Nation Fish and Wildlife at (716) 945-2779.
Leave a Reply