Bald Eagle Shot in Portage County

STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The Portage County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help after a bald eagle had to be put down after it was shot.

Portage County Crimestoppers said the bird was found on May 6th by a resident near Interstate 39, about one mile north of the Highway D exit.

The bird was taken to a wildlife rehab center for evaluation and was euthanized due to the nature of its injuries. Veterinarians say the bird was likely shot from the front while it was sitting in a tree.

Eagles and their nests are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Those found guilty of killing a bald eagle can serve up to a year in prison and be fined up to $100,000.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Portage County Sheriff’s Office at (715) 346-1400, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource Violation Hotline at 1-800-847-9367, or Portage County Crime Stoppers using the P3 app or by calling 1-888-346-6600.