Reward Offered for Eagles Poisoned in Eastern Maryland Posted: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 1:54 PM EST Updated: Friday, December 5, 2014 4:27 PM EST Posted:Updated:

PRESTON, Md.- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public for information about four bald eagles that were injured in Preston, Md. The Service and the Phoenix Wildlife Center are offering a combined reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible.



Officials say between Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, an area residentfound the eagles near Marsh Creek and Poplar Neck roads. The eagles are believed to have been injured as a result of secondary poisoning after feeding on a fox carcass. They are being cared for at the Phoenix Wildlife Center in Phoenix, Md.



Although bald eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act, they are still federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Maximum fines under these acts are $100,000 and $15,000 respectively, with possible imprisonment up to one year.



Anyone with information should call Special Agent John LaCorte with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement in Cambridge, Md. at (410) 228-2476.



