Five bald eagles have turned up dead over a two-week period, and officials in Michigan are working to determine the cause.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported that the birds were discovered between April 3 and April 17 on the Garden Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula. This stretch of land extends south from Delta County, situated between Big Bay de Noc and Lake Michigan.
Officials are urging the public to assist with the investigation. They said the eagles did not die from natural causes, predators, or vehicle collisions.
Eagles are protected under both state and federal law. Anyone who kills an eagle could face a 90-day misdemeanor along with fines.
DNR officials said people who provide information leading to an arrest and prosecution may qualify for a cash reward.
Authorities ask anyone with information to call or text the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800. Callers can stay anonymous.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Services, along with local tribes, are assisting the DNR in the investigation.
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