Reward offered for information surrounding raptor parts found in Woodbury, Minnesota

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting America’s wildlife from poaching, illegal commercialization and other kinds of wildlife crime. While our special agents within the Office of Law Enforcement work with federal, state and tribal conservation partners across the country to investigate these crimes, we also depend on tips from concerned citizens. We are offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the charging of the party responsible for dumping the feet of eight raptors, including four bald eagles, in a residential area near Woodbury, Minnesota.

On Thursday, November 12, 2020, the feet from eight raptors were discovered along the west side of Cherry Lane, approximately 500 feet south of Lake Road in Woodbury. A preliminary investigation by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed that the raptor feet were dumped in tall grass just off the sidewalk. Each of the 16 feet had the talon (claw) removed from each toe. A forensic examination is under way to obtain additional evidence.

Bald eagles and other raptors are fully protected by federal law. The maximum penalty for the unlawful take or possession of a bald eagle or bald eagle parts under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is one year imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine. A second offense would make the crime classifiable as a felony.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resident Agent in Charge Patrick Lund said, “A lucrative commercial market exists in raptor parts. We believe the talons from the raptor feet found in Woodbury may have been used to make jewelry for commercial sale.”

As a part of the law enforcement reward program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to an arrest or charges in this case. Any person with information about the raptor parts found in Woodbury, Minnesota or other bald eagle killings should contact Special Agent Andrew Daiber at 651-778-8360 or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Turn in Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-652-9093.

Learn more about the Minnesota Turn in Poachers program.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov.