Officers with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries responded to the report, but were unable to find the bird. They did, however, find Mr. Thacker on his red A.T.V.

During an interview with the authorities, he admitted to shooting the eagle and led the officers to its body, telling them that the bird was killing small game and taking fish from his pond and that he needed to protect his property, according to court documents.

Mr. Thacker said he had fired a warning shot, but the eagle was undeterred so he then shot it with a Remington .22-caliber rifle. He denied running it over with the A.T.V. and said that he instead killed it with a pistol. He later admitted to running over the eagle, the Justice Department said.

Days later, he told agents with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service that he was upset by the eagle’s actions because he put time and effort into caring for the property so his family friends could use it.

He also told the agents that he believed too much emphasis was placed on protecting bald eagles and that they were a menace. Others agreed, he said.