Federal Agency Offers Reward for Arrest In Eagle Killing

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (AP) - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened a criminal investigation after a bald eagle was found mutilated in a plastic bag near Albert Lea.

Killing or keeping an eagle is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Agency spokeswoman Tina Shaw said Friday that the eagle's talons and part of one leg were cut off, as well as the breast meat, similar to the way a hunter would take the breast meat off a duck or pheasant. But she says it's not a hunting case - it's poaching.

Shaw says the carcass was found on Minnesota Department of Transportation property March 20 or 21.

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to a conviction.