HARMAN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police are searching for a potential suspect after a bald eagle was found injured with a gunshot wound in Randolph County.
According to the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, the female bald eagle was recovered by the WVDNR Natural Resources Police on the evening of New Year’s Eve, triaged by colleagues of the Avian Conservation Center in Elkins, and transported to the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia on New Year’s Day.
The wounded bald eagle was the first rehabilitation admission of 2023 for the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia.
X-rays showed metal fragments in the eagle’s injured wing, indicating that the bird had been shot. A veterinarian had to amputate the wing below the wrist.
The ACCA is treating the eagle for infection, emaciation, and pain, and even if she survives, she won’t be able to return to the wild. Despite her serious injury, she has been bright and alert, the ACCA said.
Shooting a bald eagle is a crime and violates both federal and state laws.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the West Virginia DNR in Elkins and ask for Law Enforcement at (304) 637-0245.
People can also call the WV DNR District 3 office at (304) 924-6211 or the US Fish & Wildlife Service office in Davis at (304) 866-3858.
One can also fill out an anonymous form to report a Natural Resources Crime by clicking here.
