DNR Looking For Person Who Shot Bald Eagle in Cedar Rapids
Who in their right mind would shoot a bald eagle? It is a question that I would like to know the answer to, and so would authorities in the Cedar Rapids area. Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are looking for the person who shot one of the majestic birds on the cities southwest side.
KCRG reports that the DNR responded to the report of an injured bald eagle near the Sac and Fox trail in Cedar Rapids back on January 9th. DNR officials were able to capture the bird and took it to a local wildlife rehabilitator. That is when the gunshot wound on the animal was discovered. Despite the best of efforts, the eagle had to be euthanized due to the severity of the injuries.
What kind of person decides that they're going to shoot a bald eagle? They're our national bird. They are beautiful birds that were once a protected species due to their limited numbers in the wild. But there has been a resurgence of bald eagles, especially here in the state of Iowa. Growing up during the 1990's we would occasionally see one flying around and we were amazed. If you head over near Dubuque or other cities along the Mississippi River, you really got to see the birds thrive. Numbers have improved so much that the bald eagle was taken off the protected species list.
KCRG reports that anyone with information in the case is urged to call State Conservation Officer Travis Graves at 319-350-2863. You can also email him at Travis.Graves@DNR.Iowa.gov. You may also call the Poachers Hotline at 1-800-532-2020.