LEBANON, Mo. -- Conservation agents in Laclede County (click here) are asking members of the public for any information they may have about the death of a federally protected American Bald Eagle found shot near Lebanon early Sunday.
Missouri Conservation Department agent Jarrad Milligan said the mature male bird, weighing 6 to 8 pounds and with a wingspan of 6 to 7 feet, is likely one that has been spotted in the area before and was one several birds now living in the region.
"We have four active nests in Laclede County along the rivers that we are watching," he said.
The bird was found dead on Emerson Road by Lebanon resident Pete Doughty, who also has a part-time business doing catch and release of nuisance wildlife. He called Milligan, who took the animal. It is being held as evidence, Milligan said.
"No person is allowed to possess any part of an American Bald Eagle, dead or alive, in Missouri unless they have a permit," he said. Possession is against both state and federal law. Zoos and animal sanctuaries may have the permits, but few others.
Learning who is responsible for the shooting will likely depend on citizens providing leads to the agents, Milligan said, and he encouraged anyone who has information to contact him or his partner at the Laclede County office - (417) 288-8744 - or call the hotline for Operation Game Thief, 1-800-392-1111.
