Reward Offered in Bald Eagle Killing Case in Addison County, Vermont
Bridport, Vt. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public assistance in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting of a bald eagle in Addison County. A $5,000 reward has been announced for any information that could aid in the investigation following the discovery of the eagle’s body near East Street on October 15.
Warden Detective Sergeant David Taddei stated that information is currently limited, and officials have been conducting interviews in nearby residential areas in hopes of generating leads. Preliminary investigations revealed metal pellets and shotgun wounds, confirming that the eagle had been shot. The bird was first spotted in Vermont in August 2006, marked by a research band located on its leg.
Local resident Peter Russell Perlee condemned the act as reckless, comparing it to vandalism. "You need to be a little more careful if you’re using a weapon," he commented on the incident. The bald eagle holds not only legal protection under federal law but also cultural significance for Native communities. Elnu Abenaki member Rich Holschuh emphasized the bird’s sacred status, noting that the killing represents a troubling disregard for life.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, is committed to investigating this case. While bald eagles have recovered from the brink of extinction and are no longer listed as endangered, they remain protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, with penalties for violations reaching up to $100,000. Authorities urge anyone with information about the eagle’s death to come forward.
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