Indiana authorities launch search for person who shot and killed bald eagle

Officials in Indiana are searching for a suspect in the shooting death of a bald eagle.

“Anyone with information is encouraged to contact DNR Law Enforcement Central Dispatch,” Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tweeted about the Dec. 21 shooting.

HELP NEEDED: @icohq is investigating a Dec. 21 killing of a Bald Eagle in Lawrence County. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact DNR Law Enforcement Central Dispatch at 812-837-9536 or the anonymous TIP line at 1-800-TIP-IDNR or https://t.co/rdoldCU2eY.

— Indiana DNR (@INdnrnews) December 22, 2019

Bald eagles, which are protected by several federal laws despite no longer being endangered, are fairly rare in Indiana. Only about 300 nests are known to exist in the state, according to the state’s DNR.

Violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act are considered felonies with a punishment of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.