Authorities seek public’s help identifying bald eagle shooter

Metro Wire Staff

Plainfield — The Portage County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for fatally shooting an adult bald eagle on May 6. The exact time of the shooting remains unknown.

A private citizen discovered the injured eagle against a fence on Central Sands Road, about one mile north of the Highway D exit off I-39 South. Preliminary investigations suggest the bird was shot head-on while perched in a tree.

The eagle was taken to a wildlife rehabilitator for evaluation but was euthanized due to the severity of its injuries. Bald eagles and their nests are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Authorities emphasize that any information, no matter how small, could be useful in identifying those responsible.

Tips can be reported to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office at (715) 346-1400, the Wisconsin DNR Violation Hotline at 1-800-847-9367, or Portage County Crime Stoppers via the P3 app or at 1-888-346-6600. Tips can be anonymous.