ANNAPOLIS (September 20, 2011)—The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is investigating the killing of a mature bald eagle that occurred in the 14000 block of Hazen Road in Cumberland, Md. along Evitts Creek.
The dead bald eagle was found and reported at 3:30 p.m. on September 16. A preliminary investigation revealed that the eagle was killed by a gunshot. The lack of significant decomposition suggests that the bird was killed within a week of being found.
NRP asks anyone with information on this crime to call the NRP Communication Center at 1-800-628-9944 and ask to speak to investigating Officer Jim Satterfield.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward can call the Catch a Poacher hotline at 1-800-635-6124.
In 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the Federal endangered species list and in 2010 it was removed from Maryland’s list of threatened and endangered species. Although removed from the lists, the bald eagle is still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Also, State law prohibits the hunting, destroying or possessing of any wild bird or non-game bird in Maryland.