A whopping cash reward is up for grabs in exchange for information on an assassin who shot and killed a bald eagle – America’s national bird.
A total of $20,000 is being offered for information that leads to a conviction in the shooting and killing of a bald eagle in Louisiana, wildlife officials announced Monday.
The bald eagle was found on Dec 5 2025 nearby the intersection of Robert and Wilmer roads in Vermilion Parish.
Louisiana department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating the case after they were notified about a wounded animal.
LDWF personnel initially located and captured the bird safely before transporting it for examination.
Tragically, the bird died shortly after it was discovered and was later sent to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for a more extensive necropsy.
According to officials, the bird suffered a fatal injury consistent with a gunshot wound.
The cash prize has had multiple contributors including the Center for Biological diversity, who offered 13,000; 3,500 from the Human World for Animals; $25,00 from the US Fish and Wildlife Service; and up to $1,000 from Louisiana Operation Game Thief.
$20,000 is being offered for the capture of assassin who shot and killed a majestic bald eagle, the country’s national bird featured as the focal point of the presidential seal
The eagle was found on Dec 5 2025 nearby the intersection of Robert and Wilmer roads in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana
The killing of a bald eagle is illegal and a federal violation according to the Golden Eagle Protection act
Bald eagles are known for their iconic white heads and hunting abilities, adults weigh between 6.5 and 14 pounds with a massive wingspan that can reach up to 7 to 8 feet, and females are larger than males.
Their eyesight is four to five times sharper than human vision, allowing them to spot prey from over a mile away
However bald eagle populations have declined sharply in recent years due to widespread pesticide use, habitat loss, and illegal shooting, dropping to just 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states by 1963.
Officials have stated the illegal killing of a bald eagle is a federal violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. A conviction can carry up to a $5,000 fine and one year in jail, along with a civil restitution fine of up to $5,000.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511. Tips can also be submitted through LDWF’s tip411 program by texting LADWF followed by the tip to 847411, or through the free LADWF Tips app.
