The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for any information related to the mysterious deaths of five bald eagles that were discovered in the Upper Peninsula. Michigan DNR released a statement on Monday, April 27, stating that the eagles were found between April 3 and April 17 in the Garden Peninsula.
A single dead eagle might not sound any alarms, but five of them in the same area suggests something more suspicious.
“This is something that’s not normal at all,” Brian Roell, Large Carnivore Specialist at the Michigan DNR, told My UP in an interview.
In the original press release, Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Supervisor Mark Zitnik confirmed that “the eagles did not die from natural causes, predators, or vehicle collisions.” Authorities did not state whether they found any gunshots or other wounds on the eagles.
Eagles are a protected species that carry state penalties in Michigan, such as a 90-day misdemeanor, fines for each eagle, and reimbursement of $1500 per eagle.
The Michigan DNR asks anyone with information to contact the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution.
Feature image via Michigan DNR.
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