Oklahoma game wardens are searching for the person who shot and killed a mature bald eagle in the Paw Paw Bottoms, about a mile and a half south of U.S. Highway 64.
Jeremy Bersche, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) game warden, said the dead eagle was found early Monday, and was shot in the head. From the condition of the carcass, it was determined the eagle was probably shot on Sunday.
“It was probably sitting in the field eating a mouse, and someone with a high-powered deer rifle drove by, saw it and shot it,” Bersche said.
Bersche said the shooter, if found and convicted, faces thousands of dollars in fines since bald eagles are protected by both state and federal statutes.
Bersche said the case has been posted on the Game Wardens’ Facebook page, and Operation Game Thief is offering a $500 reward for information leading to a conviction. Anonymous tips with the potential for the cash reward can be left at 1-800-522-8039.
Anyone with information may also contact him at 918-431-2550 or Game Warden Jerry Henry at 918-431-2544.
Bersche said about the shooting, “This is our national symbol and it hits a little closer to home.”
Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director
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