The Daily Journal

BRIDGETON – Animal advocates have offered an additional reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of all individuals responsible for shooting a bald eagle found seriously wounded in Bridgeton City Park in May.

The Humane Society of the United States, along with the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering up to $5,000 for information. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife have already offered $2,500.

The eagle was found in the park on May 20, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Officials said it appeared to have been shot a week before, and it was euthanized due to its injuries once found.

"This senseless shooting of our national symbol is a serious crime and we are appalled at the blatant disregard of their survival," said Nicole Paquette, vice president of wildlife protection for the Humane Society of the United States. "We are grateful to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for their diligent efforts to bring the offender to justice."

Shooting an eagle violates the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, along with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Offenders face up to a year in prison and maximum fines of $100,000 and $15,000 respectively.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (908) 787-1321 or New Jersey Conservation Officer Paul Toppin at (856) 629-0555.