An unknown gunman shot a protected bald eagle this week and left it dying in west Tennessee, a federal crime that can result in prison time, according to the state Wildlife Resources Agency.

It happened Monday afternoon in Decatur County, near Eagle Nest Island in the Tennessee River, state officials posted on Facebook.

The injured animal was taken to a veterinarian on Dec. 31, according to the post.





“After examination, it was determined the eagle had been shot,” the post says. “Injuries sustained were incurable and the animal was euthanized.”

Clues are few, but state officials have offered a $2,500 reward for help finding the shooter.

Bald eagles “are biparental,” which means two parents are needed to raise their offspring. “Losing one eagle likely means the failure of a nest,” state officials said.

The species of large birds — they have a wing span of up to 8 feet — was on the endangered species list in 1978, due to environmental causes. Bald eagles have since recovered, and the species was removed from the list in 2007, Tennessee officials said.

“However, bald eagles are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” the state posted. “Violations of these statutes carry a maximum criminal penalty of up to $100,000 and/or one year in federal prison.”

The species is found in all 49 contiguous states, and they have few natural enemies, experts say.

However, Tennessee wildlife officials ran into an unusual incident in 2017, when a flock of geese attacked and injured a bald eagle along the Holston River in Kingsport.

Witnesses saw the battle, which started on land and spread to water, officials said. The eagle fell into a river but survived after being treated for an injured wing.