Bald eagle fatally shot, Authorities ask for public assistance

DWR conservation officers seeking information after bald eagle shot near Cedar City Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

The eagle had been shot through the wing with a rifle. The injuries were so severe that the eagle couldn’t recover and had to be euthanized.

SALT LAKE CITY — A bald eagle was shot near Cedar City earlier this year and later euthanized due to the severity of its injuries. Officials are asking for the public’s help in finding those responsible.

A bald eagle was found on Feb. 29 near 4500 West in Cedar City. The eagle had been shot through the wing with a rifle. The injuries were so severe that the eagle couldn’t recover and had to be euthanized.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits anyone from killing or taking the parts of a bald or golden eagle without a permit. Officials say the person who killed the eagle could be charged with a third-degree felony charge of wanton destruction of protected wildlife.

The DWR is asking anyone with information about the killing or other wildlife-related crimes to call the UTiP Hotline at 800-662-3337, text 847411, or contact Officer Jeremy Butler at 435-310-0238. Also online through the DWR website; however, contact with an officer may be limited with this option

A reward may be available for information that leads to the prosecution of those responsible.