$15,000 Reward Offered For Information On Bald Eagle Killing In Louisiana

Photo credit: Robin Silver

The Center for Biological Diversity has increased the reward to $15,000 for information leading to a conviction for the illegal killing of a bald eagle in southern Louisiana. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has offered a $6,000 reward and the Center is boosting the amount by $9,000.

“This cowardly killing of our national bird is unlawful, unacceptable, and utterly un-American,” said Lindsay Reeves, a Louisiana-based senior attorney at the Center. “People in our state are sickened by this senseless tragedy, and I hope someone steps forward with information.”

Agents with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries were notified about an injured bald eagle in Vermilion Parish near Erath on Dec. 5, 2025. The eagle was found at the intersection of Robert Road and Wilmer Road in a rural area near Lake Peigneur.

Agency personnel located the injured bird and brought it in for examination. Sadly, it was determined that the eagle had suffered a fatal gunshot wound and succumbed to its injuries shortly thereafter.

Bald eagles are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Violations of these acts carry maximum criminal penalties of up to a $250,000 fine and two years in federal prison.

Bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback in Louisiana. In 1970, only five breeding pairs were observed. Today, more than 350 pairs of bald eagles reside year-round in Louisiana, especially along rivers, coasts, and lakes. However, they remain a state species of greatest conservation need. Threats include habitat loss from saltwater intrusion, fishing line entanglement, and poisoning from ingesting lead ammunition.

Louisiana is a vital winter nesting home for bald eagles, with around 2,900 pairs arriving in September and staying until spring. The state is second only to Florida in total bald eagle nests. Most nesting occurs in coastal parishes like Vermilion, where this bald eagle killing took place.

The agency’s $6,000 reward consists of $2,500 from the Service, $2,500 from Humane World for Animals, and up to $1,000 from Louisiana Operation Game Thief.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal killing of this bald eagle should call the Louisiana operation Game Thief hotline at 1(800) 442-2511 or text 847411. The hotline and the tip411 program are monitored 24 hours a day. Upon request, the person supplying the information can remain anonymous.