Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — A conservation nonprofit group is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to a conviction in the case of a bald eagle that died after it was illegally shot in southern Utah earlier this year.
The Center for Biological Diversity announced the reward a few days after the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources began asking for the public's help in its investigation into the case last week.
"It's a tragedy that this majestic bald eagle was senselessly gunned down, and the perpetrator needs to be brought to justice," said Patrick Donnelly, director of the center's Great Basin region, in a statement. "I hope someone does the right thing and comes forward with information."
Utah wildlife conservation officers responded to a report of an injured bald eagle near 4500 West in Cedar City on Feb. 29. They found that the bird had been shot through its wing by someone with a rifle. The injuries were severe enough that the animal was euthanized.
The case was brought to light on April 9, as conservation officers asked for the public's help in their investigation. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources spokeswoman Faith Heaton Jolley said Wednesday there haven't been any major new tips or leads in the case since last week.
The Center for Biological Diversity notes that up to one-third of the bald eagles west of the Rocky Mountains spend time in Utah during the winter months. Utah is typically home to more than 1,200 bald eagles before the species migrates north for the summer.
The species — the national bird — also has multiple state and federal protections. Bald eagles are protected by both the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as well as Utah's poaching laws.
Anyone with information about the Cedar City case is asked to call 435-310-0238 or the agency's tip line at 1-800-662-3337.
