13 bald eagles likely killed by ‘human causes,’ did not die naturally, investigators say

Federal investigators said Thursday that the 13 bald eagles found dead on the Eastern Shore last month did not die of natural causes or disease.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement that necropsy results indicate the birds may have been killed. Although the bald eagle is no longer considered an endangered species, hunting the animal is prohibited under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and carries a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment.

“Our investigation is now focused on human causes and bringing to justice the person(s) responsible for the death of these eagles,” the agency said. “We cannot release further details about the cause of death as such information may compromise the ongoing investigation.”

The 13 dead birds were discovered by a Caroline County, Maryland, farmer last month not far from the Idylwild Natural Area in Federalsburg. The Center for Biological Diversity, the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, the Phoenix Wildlife Center Inc. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have since pledged a combined total of $25,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the persons responsible.

“For many Americans, the bald eagle represents freedom and strength. The unthinkable death of 13 birds at once stands in stark contrast to the ideals this majestic wild animal personifies,” Catherine Kilduff, a staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement last month.

A spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Police said previously that investigators found no signs of trauma or gunshot wounds when doing a preliminary inspection of the birds.