Urgent Appeal: Help Solve Bald Eagle Shooting Case In Cedar City

Conservation officers from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) are urgently seeking information regarding the shooting of a bald eagle near Cedar City earlier this year. The injured bird was discovered on February 29th near 4500 West, with a rifle shot piercing its wing. Despite efforts to save it, the injuries were too severe, necessitating the eagle's euthanasia.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, enacted in 1940, strictly prohibits the killing of bald or golden eagles without proper authorization. Perpetrators of such acts could face third-degree felony charges for wanton destruction of protected wildlife.

Those with any information regarding this incident or any other wildlife-related crimes in Utah are urged to report it to DWR conservation officers through various channels, including the UTiP Hotline at 800-662-3337, the UTDWR Law Enforcement app, you can send a text message to 847411, or online submission through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website, however, contact with an enforcement officer is somewhat limited using this final option.  Officer Jeremy Butler can also be contacted directly at 435-310-0238. Confidentiality requests will be honored, and a reward may be offered for information leading to the successful prosecution of the responsible party.

Illegal killings of wildlife are a serious issue in Utah, with conservation officers investigating numerous cases each year. In 2023 alone, over 1,000 wild animals and fish were confirmed to have been unlawfully killed, totaling a value exceeding $619,000. These incidents not only threaten protected species but also disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Cooperation from the public is crucial in combating such offenses and preserving Utah's diverse wildlife for future generations.