The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is investigating the shooting of a Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) near Tipton, Kan. The Golden eagle was found on Monday, October 29, 2012 in a pasture located on the east side of highway 181, approximately 5 miles south of Tipton, Kansas.
The eagle was found on top of the rocks on Williams Butte, close to where two other pastures adjoin the property, and captured by an officer with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. The eagle is being treated for its injuries, but it is unclear if it will be able to be released after it heals. The small Golden eagle may have been mistaken for a hawk.
Golden eagles are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The shooting of any eagle is considered a violation of those acts.
The Golden eagle may have been shot over the prior weekend and anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement in Washington, Kansas at (402) 419-4855. The Service may pay up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Anyone contributing that information to authorities can remain anonymous. Information can also be reported to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-877-426-3843.
Golden eagles can be found from the tundra, through grasslands, forested habitat and woodland-brushlands, south to arid deserts, including Death Valley, California. They are aerial predators and eat small to mid‐sized reptiles, birds, and mammals up to the size of mule deer fawns and coyote pups. They also are known to scavenge and utilize carrion.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.
For more information on their work, visit http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/
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