CRAB ORCHARD (WATE) - Officials seeking information on the killings of two mature bald eagles in Tennessee in 2011 are offering up to a $17,000 reward.
In February 2011, a bald eagle was shot and killed in Bledsoe County, about one mile east of the intersection of State Highway 101 and Big Springs Gap Road.
A few weeks later about 30 miles away, a bald eagle was shot and killed in Cumberland County's Crab Orchard community. It was found near Crab Orchard School by Main Street, close to the Old Easley Swimming Hole.
The first person to provide information that causes successful prosecution in this case will be eligible for a $17,000 reward.
If you have information about one of the crimes, a $8,500 reward is being offered.
Killing bald eagles, which are federally protected wildlife, can carry maximum penalties of up to $100,000 and a year in federal prison.
Anyone with information about the Bledsoe County eagle should call Special Agent Bo Stone at 865-692-4024, or Bledsoe County Wildlife Officer Mark Patterson with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800-262-6704.
Anyone with information on the Cumberland County eagle should call Special Agent John Rayfield at 615-736-5532, or Cumberland County Wildlife Officer Casey Mullen with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 800-262-6704.
