4 bald eagles found shot at Washington state lake

So senseless & stupid! Sometimes I think people just have no respect for life of any kind.

4 bald eagles found shot at Washington state lake

By Vignesh Ramachandran, Staff Writer, NBC News

Officials and a Native American tribe in Washington state are offering $13,750 for information leading to the conviction of whoever killed four bald eagles near a lake last week, according to local media.

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Marustad told The Seattle Times it appears the birds were shot with a small-caliber rifle.

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Without a permit, killing a bald eagle -- America's national bird -- is a serious offense.

In the United States, the bald eagle and the golden eagle are protected under multiple federal laws, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Per the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, felony convictions can lead to a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years in prison. Civil penalties are also subject to thousands in fines and imprisonment. Bald eagles are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacey Act. The bald eagle was removed from the Endangered Species federal list in 2007.

The act is also a misdemeanor under Washington state law, according to The Seattle Times.

Read more:
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/18/16586514-4-bald-eagles-found-shot-at-washington-state-lake?lite>1=43001

that is so disgusting... no reason to harm one of these majestic creatures... I drove 50 miles to see one that was reported in the area! Absolutely beautiful.

Hope they find the vermin!