SALT LAKE CITY— The Center for Biological Diversity today announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the illegal shooting of a bald eagle in Cedar City, Utah.

The Utah Division of Wildlife announced the shooting on Tuesday, stating that the iconic bird of prey was euthanized because of severe injuries.

“It’s a tragedy that this majestic bald eagle was senselessly gunned down, and the perpetrator needs to be brought to justice,” said Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center. “I hope someone does the right thing and comes forward with information.”

Utah is host to one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the country, and more than 1,200 bald eagles have been counted in recent years. Up to one-third of bald eagles west of the Rocky Mountains overwinter in Utah.

Bald eagles are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Violations of these laws carry maximum criminal penalties of up to a $250,000 fine and two years in federal prison.

Information can be provided in this specific case to Officer Jeremy Butler of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at (435) 310-0238.

Background

Bald eagles are the only eagles unique to North America, and they have been a major success story in American conservation. Chosen by Congress as the nation's symbol in 1782, the bald eagle was subject to widespread extermination efforts for the next two centuries.

When the story of bald eagles’ poisoning by the pesticide DDT was popularized in Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, a nascent environmental movement rallied around them. The bald eagle was one of the first species listed under the 1967 precursor to today's Endangered Species Act.

The bald eagle's comeback has been a strong one — a testament to the power of the Endangered Species Act. As a result of habitat protection, the federal government’s banning of DDT, and national conservation efforts, bald eagles were removed from the endangered list in 2007. However, they still face many threats.

Bald eagles have a wingspan of 7 feet and can live more than 30 years in the wild. They develop their iconic white head around age four. Adults mate for life and raise their young together. Illegal shooting, habitat destruction and lead poisoning remain the primary threats to their survival today.