Alberta Fish and Wildlife is reporting two separate incidents involving the shootings of a pair of bald eagles.
The first incident was reported October 20, when Wetaskiwin Fish and Wildlife received reports of a mature bald eagle that was found shot in a Genesee pheasant release site – near a demolished farmhouse – around 1 kilometre south of the south access to the site.
It’s believed that the bird was shot on the morning of October 20.
Then on October 29, Fort McMurray Fish and Wildlife received reports of a juvenile bald eagle that was shot and left wasted at Tower Road.
The eagle was previously seen feeding on a carcass near the 8-kilometre mark of the road.
Officers believe the incident took place between 9:46 a.m. on Saturday, October 25 and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29.
They add they believe the bird was shot from a vehicle or by someone on the road.
There is no hunting season for bald eagles in Alberta – as they are protected by the Wildlife Act and classified as a non-game species.
The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of $100,000 and/or up-to two years in jail.
Anyone who witnessed someone shooting the eagles or other non-game birds (ravens or magpies) are asked to contact the Report-A-Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.