justnorth posted on March 24, 2008 23:09 :: 2637 Views
Law enforcement officials with the Department of Natural Resources are seeking information in a wildlife poaching incident which occurred in February in eastern Missaukee County involving a bald eagle.
DNR Conservation Officer William Cherry was called to a location near the intersection of Burns and Dorr roads in Enterprise Township on Feb. 4 to investigate a dead bald eagle. Officer Cherry and DNR Wildlife Assistant Dan Moran initially believed the eagle had been electrocuted as it was found under a power line. A necropsy was performed at the DNR's Wildlife Disease Lab, where it was determined the eagle died of a gunshot wound.
Bald eagles first received Federal and State protection in Michigan in 1940 and 1954, respectively. They continue to be protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Michigan Endangered Species Protection law. Under these laws, a person may not kill, harass, disturb or otherwise harm bald eagles.
Bald eagles, the national emblem, are one of two species of eagles found in the United States. The image of the bald eagle has had great significance in the formation of the U.S.
"The senseless killing of our nation's symbol is hard to comprehend," said DNR Law Enforcement Division Acting Chief Rodney Stokes. "The individual who did this has little respect for the natural world and should answer for his or her actions."
Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to call the DNR's Report All Poaching (RAP) Line at 800-292-7800. Information can be provided anonymously. Information leading to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a cash reward funded by the Game and Fish Protection Fund.
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