Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, DNREC Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739-9913
Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Bill Butcher, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 413-658-7356

Reward offered for information on bald eagle poisoning in Sussex County

DOVER (Nov. 8, 2010) – Delaware and federal wildlife officials are seeking information about the recent suspected poisoning of two adult bald eagles. The birds were found in an agricultural field near the intersection of Beaver Dam Road and Sammons Road near Lincoln in Sussex County on Oct. 21. One eagle was dead, while the other survived following treatment at Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research in Newark and was released back into the wild Nov. 2.

DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents and special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. The USFWS is offering a reward of up to $3,500, and Delaware Fish and Wildlife is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction.

Anyone with information should contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes with the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement at 302-739-9913 or 302-542-6102, or Special Agent Daniel Collins with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement in Dover, at 302-730-9184.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Fish and Wildlife Operation Game Theft at 800-292-3030, or by going to the Operation Game Theft website.

The federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protect bald eagles. Maximum criminal penalties for violating the Eagle Act include a $100,000 fine and one year in prison. Until 2007, bald eagles were also protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Vol. 40, No. 379