The reward for information in the ominous deaths of 13 bald eagles increased Wednesday to $25,000, jumping up from the previous reward of $10,000.
The Center for Biological Diversity is offering up to $15,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case of 13 bald eagles that were found dead on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
"These 13 bald eagles deserved better than to be killed ... those responsible need to be caught and prosecuted," Catherine Kilduff, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a press release.
The pledge from the Arizona-based non-profit, along with previous contributions from the Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, the Phoenix Wildlife Center Inc. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pushes the total reward to $25,000.
The bald eagles were found dead over the weekend at a Maryland farm, and are currently being processed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Although bald eagles are not considered an endangered species, they are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Maximum fines under those acts are $100,000 and $15,000 respectively, with possible imprisonment up to one year.
