Up to $17,000 reward offered in two bald eagle killings
Suspects still sought in Bledsoe and Cumberland counties
About one year ago, in February 2011, a mature bald eagle was shot and killed in Bledsoe County, about one mile east of the intersection of Tennessee State Highway 101 and Big Springs Gap Road.
A few weeks later, about 30 miles away, a second mature bald eagle was shot and killed in Cumberland County east of Crossville, in Crab Orchard. The eagle was discovered near the Crab Orchard School, which is adjacent to Main Street, close to the Old Easley Swimming Hole.
The first person who provides information resulting in the successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible for both of these crimes will be eligible to receive a $17,000 reward.
For information resulting in the successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible for one of these crimes, an $8,500 reward is offered.
Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, both federal wildlife statutes. Violations of these statutes carry maximum criminal penalties of up to $100,000 and/or one year in federal prison.
Anyone with information concerning the eagle found in Bledsoe County is asked to call Bo Stone, special agent, at 1-865-692-4024 or Mark Patterson, Bledsoe County wildlife officer, with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 1-800-262-6704.
Anyone with information concerning the eagle found in Cumberland County is asked to call John Rayfield, special agent, at 1-615-736-5532 or Casey Mullen, Cumberland County wildlife officer, with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 1-800-262-6704.
Tennessee currently hosts about 140 bald eagle breeding pairs, according to Scott Somershoe, ornithologist with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
