bald eagle shot
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission

Bald Eagle Shot Dead in North Carolina, Criminal Investigation Underway

Disturbing find of bald eagle shot in head in Chatham County has NCWRD looking for answers.

A bald eagle was found February 6, shot in the head and left on the side of the road, in Chatham County, North Carolina. The disturbing discovery, spotted by a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, has triggered a full investigation by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

X-rays revealed a clear entry and exit would to the head of the bird, although no bullet has been recovered. This is the second such incident in Chatham County in the last nine years, with the first leading to a quick arrest.

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Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and carry a maximum fine of $5,000 or one-year imprisonment with $10,000 or not more than two years in prison for a second conviction. Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-800-662-7167.

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