Information Sought on Illegal Killing of Bald Eagle

DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Montana FWP) are seeking information on the illegal killing of a bald eagle in the area of Reed Point in Stillwater County, Montana.

Investigating officers responded to the area in April 2020 and recovered the body of a dead bald eagle. The eagle was found dead with a small game arrow in it. The eagle’s body was located along the Yellowstone River in the area of Reed Point, Montana.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act protects bald and golden eagles and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects eagles and other migratory birds. The Service will apply applicable legal protections to hold accountable anyone who knowingly harms or kills eagles.

The Service and Montana FWP are asking for your help. The Service is offering a monetary reward of up to $2,000 for information contributing significantly to and furthering the investigation into the killing of this bald eagle in Montana. In addition, Montana FWP is offering a reward of as much as $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in the case. People who report information can remain anonymous.

If you have any information about this bald eagle killing, please contact the Service’s Billings, Montana, Office of Law Enforcement at 406-247-7354 or lawenforcement@fws.gov. You can also contact the Montana TIP-MONT Hotline at 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). The 1-800-TIP-MONT program is a 24-hour toll-free number where people can report violations of fish, wildlife or park regulations. Callers may remain anonymous. It is similar to the well-known Crimestoppers program and offers rewards for information resulting in conviction of persons who abuse Montana's natural, historic or cultural resources.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen in the West, visit our website, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram.