Police seek leads in Illinois bald eagle shootings

SPRINGFIELD — Police are asking for the public’s help in their investigation into two recent shootings of bald eagles in southern Illinois.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation, the first shooting was reported Feb. 5. A mature bald eagle was found injured in Louisville near the Little Wabash River. An x-ray found the eagle was shot. The bird is recovering at a wildlife rehabilitation center.

The second shooting was reported Feb. 24 in southern Richland County. A dead bald eagle was found and an x-ray showed it was shot.

Federal law protects bald eagles. Violators face up to a year in prison and fines of up to $100,000.

State and federal officials are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the shootings.