Bald eagle dies after it’s found shot with steel BBs

A bald eagle died shortly after it was found shot with several steel BBs in northern Idaho, wildlife officials said.

The raptor was believed to have been shot Dec. 24 to Dec. 26 near Fisherman Island on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho Fish and Game said in a Jan. 9 news release.

Wildlife officials recovered the injured bald eagle when it was still alive. But they said they had to euthanize the bird because of its injuries. An X-ray showed multiple steel BBs lodged into the eagle’s body.

Anyone with information about the eagle can make a report by calling conservation officer Will Fuller at 208-954-3302. Individuals can also call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999 or make a report online.

“A Citizens Against Poaching monetary reward will be requested for individuals who provide credible, detailed information which significantly helps to identify person(s) involved and which leads to any relevant charges,” wildlife officials said.

Bald eagles have been federally protected since 1940, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

This includes shooting, shooting at and wounding a bald eagle, officials said.

Anyone who violates the act could face a fine of $100,000, a year in prison, “or both, for a first offense,” officials said.