Bald Eagle Found Shot Dead In Alabama, Authorities Offering $2,500 Reward For Information

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Some people, man…

Bald eagles are probably the most iconic birds in North America, renowned for their striking appearance and powerful presence. This bird of prey is the national symbol of the United States, representing freedom and strength. These large raptors typically weight around 10 pounds and have a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet. Females are generally larger than males.

One of nature’s most skilled hunters, bald eagles are primarily found near large bodies of open water, where they have ample access to their main source of food… fish. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will also consume small mammals, birds, and carrion. Eagles will often swoop down at very high speeds to snatch fish from the water with their powerful talons. Their vision is second to none as they can often spot prey from over 2 miles away.

Historically, bald eagles were widespread across North America, but their populations suffered severe declines in the 20th century due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused thinning of their eggshells. By the 1960s, the bald eagle population had reached a critically low level, leading to their inclusion on the Endangered Species List in 1967.

Concerted conservation efforts, including the banning of DDT in 1972 and the protection of their habitats, have led to a remarkable recovery of bald eagle populations. By 2007, the species was removed from the Endangered Species List, although it remains protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

However… Alabama is not a state that is know for a large number of bald eagles, which makes this story all the more disturbing.

Bald Eagles In Alabama The state has historically never been on the leaderboard when it comes to population of breeding pairs, relative to other states in the country, however the population was nearly decimated in ’60s. Today, due to conservation efforts, Alabama boasts a thriving population of bald eagles, with over 200 known nesting pairs. Still relatively small compared to other states, but on par with places like Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia, and New Jersey. These birds are now found throughout the state, especially around large lakes and rivers such as Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, and the Tennessee River.

The recovery of the bald eagle in Alabama is a testament to successful wildlife management and conservation efforts, highlighting the resilience of these magnificent birds and the importance of sustained environmental stewardship. The presence of bald eagles in the state serves not only as a symbol of natural beauty but also as an inspiration for ongoing conservation initiatives.

And all of that positive work gets shot to hell (no pun intended) when scumbag people do things like this.

According to United States Fish & Wildlife Service, a bald eagle was found in Lawrence County, Alabama last month, dead from a gunshot wound. The carcass was discovered near Mt. Hood, and x-rays revealed the bird was hit with a shotgun blast.

The agency is offering a $2,500 reward for any information that can help lead to the conviction of perpetrator. Now, it’s very possible that an idiot hunter thought he was shooting at a duck or a goose, but hard to imagine that anyone could confuse the two.

You just hate to see it…

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