Five thousand dollars is always a respectable amount of money. That is precisely the reward the Vermont Fish and Game Commission offers the public for any information leading to a suspect for a crime that occurred on October 15. 

The crime committed wasn’t just some crime. However, this event resulted in the death of a bald eagle. Officials discovered that the Bald Eagle found near East Street in Bridport, Vermont, died from a gunshot wound. 

According to NBC 5, Investigators found metal pellets and wounds on the Bald Eagle that consistently gave off evidence of shotgun wounds. In addition, the bald eagle did have a research band on its leg. The band indicates that researchers have observed the bird in Vermont since August 2006. 

NBC 5 also recorded the thoughts of Warden Detective Sergeant David Taddei: “Right now, we do not have a lot of information. We’ve done knocks and talks in the area surrounding residences,” he said, “Basically, any leads that will generate a suspect for us, that’s what we’re looking for.” (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), more formally known as the American Bald Eagle is a trendy animal.

The bird has quite the reputation of being famous and is constantly linked to human ideas such as freedom and strength. The species is one great example of a comeback story in conservation and is frequently used to show the benefits of working with a species population threatened with endangerment. 

The Bald Eagle population is so high that they were officially taken off the Endangered Species Act in August 2007. However, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Bald Eagle is still protected federally by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

In addition, the species is also protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. NBC 5 also states that the financial mentality for killing an Eagle in this manner can range between 15,000 and 100,000 dollars. 

In the end, there is no excuse for killing an American Bald Eagle. I genuinely hope that they find whoever did this, and I hope that whoever killed this beautiful animal finds their way in life.

 If you ever have a conflict with wildlife, don’t hesitate to contact your local fish and wildlife service. Wildlife experts would be more than happy to help you with any situation. The only situations I can think of that would be acceptable to kill a wild animal is if you are being attacked, are hunting, or accidentally hit an animal with your car. 

Killing a wild animal just for something to do is the purest form of stupidity and ignorance I can think of.