Reward offered for information surrounding dead eagles found near Blackduck River in 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 killing two bald eagles near Blackduck River in Minnesota.

On April 23, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources received an anonymous tip about two dead bald eagles in a rural area near the Blackduck River. A preliminary investigation by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently ongoing. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents on the case sent in the eagle carcasses to the national forensics laboratory and have officially determined that the eagles were shot.

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.

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 near Blackduck River Minnesota or other bald eagle killings should contact Minnesota's Turn in Poachers hotline at 1-800-652-9093.

Learn more about the Minnesota's Turn in Poachers hotline.

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.