Injured eagle found in Urbanna was shot
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Brian Garrett took the above photo of this American Bald Eagle (not the same eagle in the article) standing in a field alongside Route 3 near the Norris Bridge at Topping. “It was the closest I have ever been to an eagle,” said Garrett. |
by Tom Chillemi
An injured and emaciated American Bald Eagle that had been shot was humanely euthanized on Monday, February 6, reported the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
A Middlesex Animal Control Officer picked up the wounded eagle on Sunday. The bird had been found near Urbanna Creek on the ground, unable to fly or run. It was taken to a local bird rehabilitation specialist and then transported to the Wildlife Center near Waynesboro where it was examined by a veterinarian.
Apparently, the bird had been shot some time ago. A doctor found a severely fractured left leg that had healed, but not at the correct angle. The medical team also found buckshot lodged in its right shoulder and lead in its system.
“Given the nature of the old injuries, combined with the very poor body condition of the bird, there were no treatment options available for this bird,” states the Wildlife Center of Virginia website.
According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bald eagles are protected by the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Civil penalties for violating provisions of the Act are a maximum fine of $5,000 or one year imprisonment; and $10,000 fine or not more than two years in prison for a second conviction. Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment. The fine doubles for an organization.
Rewards are provided for information leading to arrest and conviction for violation of the Act.
Anyone with information should call U.S. Fish and Wildlife law enforcement at 804-771-2883.
