Bald Eagles Shot in Meigs And Rhea County Euthanized Due to Injuries

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are investigating the shooting of two bald eagles in the Tennessee River Valley.

The first injured eagle was reported on January 30 around 2 p.m. in Meigs County. TWRA Wildlife Sergeant Chris Combs responded to the call and found the bald eagle alive, but injured off of State Route 68 near State Route 58. The female eagle was transported to the Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center. After examination, it was determined the eagle had been shot with size eight to eleven shotgun pellets. It was also determined the eagle had been shot up to one week prior to the report. Injuries sustained were incurable and the animal was euthanized.

Bald Eagle as found on roadside in Meigs County. Credit: Chris Combs.

Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center radiograph reveals pellets in Bald Eagle found in Meigs County. Photo Credit: Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center

Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center radiograph reveals pellets in Bald Eagle found in Meigs County. Photo Credit: Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center

Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Avian and Exotics Resident and fourth-year veterinary student Timothy Pearson from the Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center examine bald eagle. Photo Credit: Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center

The second eagle was reported after noon on February 1. TWRA Yuchi Refuge Manager Bernie Swiney responded to find the eagle on the side of Abby Lane, just north of Highway 60 in Rhea County. Swiney found the eagle alive but in poor condition. This bird was also transported to the Avian and Exotics service at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center. A suspected entrance and exit wound were found and thought to be caused by gunshot. Injuries sustained were incurable and the animal was euthanized.

Bald eagles are biparental, meaning it takes both parent birds to raise young. Losing one eagle likely means failure of a nest.

Wildlife Sergeant Chris Combs shared, “We are especially angered by these actions because it is nesting season. This is our national symbol and it’s an atrocity to see them senselessly shot.”

Tennessee currently has 200 active bald eagle nests. Bald eagles historically ranged throughout most of North America. However for environmental reasons and a lack of regulations, their numbers dwindled in the 1900’s. Bald Eagles were placed on the endangered species list in 1978. Eagle populations recovered after changes in environmental practices and protection and the endangered status was removed in 2007. However, bald eagles are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Violations of these statutes carry a maximum criminal penalty of up to $100,000.00 and/or one year in federal prison. State charges will also apply.

Anyone with knowledge regarding these two shootings is asked to contact the TWRA, Region III office at 931-484-9571 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at: 615-736-5532.

UPDATE February 10, 2017 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offers Reward