The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants help finding the killer of a dead bald eagle recently found maimed in a plastic bag just south of Albert Lea with the breast meat and talons removed.
The federal agency is offering up to $2,500 for information leading to the conviction of the eagle's killer. The eagle was found March 20 on Minnesota Department of Transportation property in Freeborn County. One leg was missing.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is assisting in the criminal investigation.
The bald eagle is protected under multiple federal laws. Killing or possessing a bald eagle or any of its parts is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Turn in Poachers Inc. is spreading the word about the investigation and helping citizens confidentially share information about the killing by calling their tip line 1-800-652-9093.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office of law enforcement is at 651-778-8360.
