The mysterious case of the dead eagles is being investigated by federal authorities. Due the suspicion of foul play rewards have been made are available to any person who has information on how the birds ended up dead (up to $10,000.) The most probable explanation is poisoned carcasses. This is a method used by some farmers often use to deal with rodent problems. The eagles were found close to Federalsburg, in Maryland’s Eastern Shore near the Delaware border.
The issue is emotive, given the bald eagle has been the national emblem of the U.S. since 1782. Speaking with Laboratory Roots, Candy Thomson of the Maryland Natural Resources Police said: “Our officers searched the area around the farm and in total we found 13 bald eagles, three were mature, two were in the process of maturing and the rest were immature. What happens is that when farms have rodent problems, landowners will put out poison to control it, and the eagles will eat the poisoned animals.”
For the investigation, the carcasses are being examined by veterinary surgeons, using advanced examination techniques, including X-rays.
If something untoward has happened to the birds this is likely to lead to prosecution. American Bald Eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. The Act makes it a federal crime to kill an eagle, with possible prison terms and fine of up to $100,000 imposed.
