An unexplained attack on America's iconic national bird, the bald eagle, is compelling officials in Colorado to push for answers.
KCNC reported that Colorado Parks and Wildlife is searching for information regarding the felled bird that was discovered near Croke Reservoir in the Denver area.
"There's a difference between being a licensed waterfowl hunter and being out there and just shooting at any bird that flies across the sky," CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose explained, per CBS Colorado. "And we think that this is probably a case of the latter, and we want somebody to really come forward and let us know what happened here."
The eagle's wing was injured by a ball bearing, typically used in air rifles or slingshots. A group of CPW officials, park rangers, and animal control officers captured the eagle after responding to a call about the fallen bird on a shoreline, per CBS Colorado. It underwent successful surgery and is recovering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
Bald eagles are protected under federal laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Violating these laws can result in substantial fines and imprisonment.
The random attack flies in the face of much of the progress in the species' recovery. Once threatened by pesticides such as DDT, the bald eagle has had a resurgence since the 1990s.
Perk up the winter blues with natural, hemp-derived gummies Camino's hemp-derived gummies naturally support balance and recovery without disrupting your routine, so you can enjoy reliable, consistent dosing without guesswork or habit-forming ingredients. Flavors like sparkling pear for social events and tropical-burst for recovery deliver a sophisticated, elevated taste experience ā and orchard peach for balance offers everyday support for managing stress while staying clear-headed and elevated.
Learn more ā |
Bald eagles have become a common sight in Colorado, where they migrate in the winter. Once situated, they lay eggs, cultivate their young, and nest. Van Hoose revealed the state has 350 active eagle nests, and the birds delight nature enthusiasts in the region.
That's why the random shooting confused officials and locals alike, per CBS Colorado.
"They're huge!" Lindsay Reyes, a local who'd seen bald eagles at Croke, reacted.
"That's crazy. That's like, who would shoot an eagle?" asked Eric Sanchez, a student at Front Range Community College who was capturing photos of birds at the reservoir this week.
TCD Picks Ā» Upway Spotlight
š”Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
CPW encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to contact them, including through an anonymous tipline and email service.
|
What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$200 or more š° 
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices ā and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
