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120 wedge-tailed eagles and other birds of prey dead from a suspected poisoning in Victoria

These kind of attacks usually occur when there is a perceived threat to livestock, experts say.

By AG STAFF • Reading Time: < 1

Image credit: Sasimoto/Shutterstock

AUTHORITIES HAVE discovered the remains of 120 native birds following a suspected poisoning in north-eastern Victoria.

Among them, 76 wedge-tailed eagles and various hawks and falcons – all birds of prey.

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Officers from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) found the birds on a property in Violet Town.

Raids on the property took place after authorities found dead wedge-tailed eagles in the area.

“Given the large number of native birds found within the immediate locality, it appears that they may have been poisoned,” the DELWP’s Greg Chant says.

The birds will be tested to confirm whether or not this is the case.

“The community is justifiably outraged by this incident and our investigations are continuing,” Greg says..

Wedge-tailed eagles have been protected since the 1970s and in this case killing the birds carries a penalty of up to $39,652.

In 2018, a man from East Gippsland in Victoria was jailed after it was discovered he’d killed 420 wedge-tailed eagles between 2016 and 2018.

According to wedge-tailed eagles experts, these kind of attacks usually occur when there is a perceived threat to livestock.

Read more about the war on wedge-tailed eagles here.

DELWP are asking the public to come forward with any information.