Conservation officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are seeking tips and information about a wildlife poaching incident that occurred on April 27 in Clinton County involving a bald eagle.
At about 11:40 a.m. Saturday, April 27, Officers Al Mendez and Jeff Walker responded to a complaint about gunfire and a dead bald eagle found near Alward Road adjacent to Highland Hills Golf Club in DeWitt. The caller retrieved the bald eagle and took it to Sleepy Hollow State Park to turn in to the DNR. Officers Mendez and Walker were then joined by Officers Jason Smith and Derek Miller to canvass the area around the golf club to look for evidence and suspect information.
“Anyone with information about this incident should come forward and talk to us about it so that we can apprehend the person responsible for this poaching incident,” said Lt. Sherry Chandler, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor for the region. “Information can be left anonymously by calling the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) Line at 800-292-7800.”
Bald eagles first received federal and state protection in Michigan in 1940 and 1954, respectively. They continue to be protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Michigan Endangered Species Protection law. Under these laws, a person may not kill, harass, disturb or otherwise harm bald eagles.
Bald eagles, the national emblem, are one of two species of eagles found in the United States. The image of the bald eagle has had great significance in the formation of the U.S.
Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to call the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) Line at 800-292-7800. Information can also be provided online at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers. Information can be provided anonymously. Information leading to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a cash reward funded by the Game and Fish Protection Fund.
