Bald eagle shot at Paradise Fishing

TIFTON — Officials with the DNR are asking for any information on the shooting of a juvenile bald eagle found last month near Paradise Public Fishing Area.

Matt Henry of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources found the injured bird caught in a fence Nov. 19 at Paradise. Henry, along with Paradise manager, Charles West, was able to capture the eagle using fishnets.

The eagle appears to have been shot by a rifle.

Natural resources technician Chris Carlisle transported the eagle to Auburn (Ala.) University’s Southeastern Raptor Center where it is being cared for and has been taken for CT scans.

“The scans have shown a fracture in the eagle’s pectoral girdle,” DNR spokesperson Rick Lavender said. “According to the center, the wounds indicate the bird was shot, but not necessarily very recently. Considering the state of the fractures, the bird’s relatively good condition when captured and yet its inability to fly, the incident possibly happened within a few months.”

According to Liz Crandall, a technician at the Raptor Center, the eagle is doing well in his rehabilitation.

“Right now we’re going to have to wait. He’s in a large aviary and he’s flying around, but he tires easily and he’s off balance. It’s going to take time to build up his muscle mass. Hopefully in a couple of months we’ll be able release him.” Crandall said.

In the meantime, officials are encouraging anyone with details about the shooting to speak up.

“Even though they are uncertain about the date of injury it is still important to let folks know that shooting an eagle is considered a crime and can result in a severe penalty.” said West. “We will continue to investigate this incident.”

Shooting an eagle violates state and federal law. The state violation is a misdemeanor. Under the U.S. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, violators can face up to a $100,000 fine and a year in prison, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call the Turn In Poachers hotline, 1-800-241-4113, or e-mail TurnInPoachers@dnr.state.ga.us. Callers can remain anonymous. Rewards are paid for calls that lead to an arrest.

To contact reporter Chivaun Perez, call 382-4321.

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