Approximately 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, 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 should call Special Agent Bo Stone at 865 692-4024, or Bledsoe County Wildlife Officer Mark Patterson with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800 262-6704.
Anyone with information concerning the eagle found in Cumberland County is should call Special Agent John Rayfield at 615 736-5532, or Cumberland County Wildlife Officer Casey Mullen with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800 262-6704.
Tennessee currently hosts about 140 bald eagle breeding pairs, according to Scott Somershoe, ornithologist with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of American people.
Visit the Service’s websites at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/ or http://www.fws.gov/ Connect with the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast , follow tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast, watch the YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from the Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast .