5 bald eagles found dead in Michigan under suspicious circumstances
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Five bald eagles found dead over a two-week period in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are at the center of a wildlife investigation; authorities rule out natural causes and raise concerns of illegal killings.
The eagles were discovered between April 3 and April 17 in Delta County near Big Bay de Noc and Lake Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in a news release.
According to officials, the birds of prey were not killed due to natural factors, predators or being hit by vehicles, leading investigators to believe the birds were killed under suspicious circumstances.
“DNR is requesting tips from the public to help solve this ongoing investigation,” said 1st Lt. Mark Zitnik, DNR Law Enforcement chief. “We can confirm that the eagles did not die from natural causes, predation or vehicle collisions.”
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Michigan DNR conservation officers are requesting assistance for any information regarding five deceased eagles found on Delta County’s Garden Peninsula between April 3 and April 17. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Bald eagles are protected by both state and federal laws, making it illegal to hunt or harm them.
Violators may face criminal charges, including a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per eagle, and damages of $1,500 per bird.
Bald eagles are a protected species under federal law. Violators may face fines or even imprisonment. (iStock)
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The DNR urges anyone with information to contact the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible to receive a cash reward if their information leads to arrest and prosecution.
A bald eagle, a bird of prey native to North America, was perched on a branch. (iStock)
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Bald eagles have made a strong recovery in Michigan, rising from the brink of extinction with only 52 breeding pairs in the 1960s to nearly 900 pairs by 2023. Michigan Bridge reported. The birds are now found all over the state, especially near large lakes and rivers.
