MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports someone shot a bald eagle in Franklin. It is the second case this year that this protected species was intentionally shot.
A passerby spotted an eagle on the ground on Franklin's southwest side heavily wooded residential area near South 112th Street and West Oakwood Road. The Good Samaritan called the DNR and told the warden that the eagle was unable to fly and looked badly injured. Now, investigators want to know who is responsible.
"All native bird species are protected by federal law and eagles are protected by additional federal laws as well," explained Crystal Sharlow-Schaefer, Wildlife Director of the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. "Which makes what happened to this male bald eagle, even more of a betrayal."
Sharlow-Schaefer says the eagle is still in critical condition with a fractured wing.
"It's suspect of gunshot activity," she adds. "With that level of injury, there's no way it could be in flight."
This is the second eagle purposefully shot in Southeast Wisconsin. The other this year was in Racine.
A warden with the Department of Natural Resources says they want to find out who did this. They ask anyone who may have heard gunshots in Franklin, specifically on Dec. 7 to call their tip line at: (800) 847-9367.
Killing a bald eagle is a federal crime. Anyone convicted of this charge faces a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Federal law also prevents you from possessing any part of an eagle including their feathers.
In the meantime, the goal is to save this majestic creature's life and release him back into the wild.
Costs to save this eagle is in the thousands of dollars. If you would like to donate to the Wisconsin Humane Society, visit their website..
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Officials believe the bald eagle that showed up injured last week was shot. They are searching for suspects - and remind people the fine for shooting protected birds can run as high as $100,000.
The eagle was found suffering in Franklin, Wisconsin. The humane society says the eagle suffered a fracture of the humerus bone in his wing, leaving him debilitated on the ground. The tip of his beak was also broken.
An emergency surgery stabilized the injuries. That's when doctors concluded the bird had been shot with gunfire. More tests are pending.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is searching for suspects and tips that may be useful. To make an anonymous report, contact the DNR Tip Line at 1-800-847-9367.
To make a contribution to the Bald Eagle’s medical care, please visit https://wihumane.me/eaglecare2022 or call 414-431-6119.
