State troopers are asking for help solving the poaching of a bald eagle found dead at a river mouth on the southern Oregon coast, its talons cut and no outward sign of fatal injuries.

Someone reported Monday that the bird had been slain and discarded at the mouth of the Winchuck River south of Brookings, state police said in a news release. A state Department of Fish and Wildlife trooper responded and found the bird, whose talons had been cut off and nabbed.

The bald eagle is a national symbol that was taken off the endangered species list in 2007 because of population recovery, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act safeguards eagles and imposes $100,000 fines, a year of jail time, or both for first-time, individual violators.

Troopers ask anyone who has information about the poaching to call Senior Trooper Paul Rushton at 541-531-5896.

Tipsters can also provide information about wildlife violations by calling 1-800-452-7888 or emailing TIP@state.or.us. The tips can be anonymous.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015