5 bald eagles ‘did not die from natural causes’ in Michigan, state officials say

Multiple bald eagles have been found dead in Michigan in what state officials described as an incident that was “not due to natural causes.”

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said it is investigating the deaths of five bald eagles that occurred between April 3 and April 17 on the Upper Peninsula’s Garden Peninsula.

“It has been confirmed that these deaths were not caused by natural causes, predators or vehicle collisions,” the ministry said. he wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.

The deaths are the latest in a series of unusual circumstances affecting the bald eagle community. Severe weather harmed animals multiple bald eagles missing In Tennessee after the storm. Additionally two baby eaglets They were euthanized at the Auburn University Raptor Center after the items were swept from their den in Alabama.

More: Bald eagle chicks dragged from their nest during storm were euthanized

Do federal and state laws protect bald eagles?

Bald eagles are a federally and state protected species. According to Michigan’s DNR, penalties in the state can include the following in addition to court costs.

• 90-day misdemeanor charges.

• Fines range from $100 to $1,000 per eagle.

• $1,500 refund per eagle.

The bald eagle was officially designated as the national bird of the United States in 2024.

The ministry said anyone with information can contact Report All Poaching Hotline By texting or calling 800-292-7800. Information may be submitted anonymously, and tips leading to arrest and prosecution may be eligible for a cash reward.

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach him at kperez@usatodayco.com or at X @katecperez_.

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: 5 bald eagles found dead from unnatural causes in Michigan