DNR searching for person who shot bald eagle in Fredonia

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking help in finding whoever shot a bald eagle along the Milwaukee River in Fredonia last month.

Conservation Warden Tony Young declined to further identify where the bird was found at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, other than to say it is near the Ozaukee-Washington County line.

Someone passing through the area found the raptor and notified the DNR, he said.

Young would not say whether the bird could have flown for a time after being shot or if it was shot where it was discovered.

Wardens caught the eagle and transported it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, where it was X-rayed.

The X-ray showed a bullet lodged in the raptor’s body.

Due to the severity of the injury, the bird was euthanized.

The bird was a mature bald eagle, Young said.

Authorities are searching for any leads in the case, he said, noting that bald eagles are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

“We know people know what happened. We’re looking for any and all information, no matter how small, even if it seems insignificant.”

Young noted that information provided by people remains confidential.

“I want people to feel comfortable giving us information,” he said. “We don’t know why or how the bird was shot.”

Tips may be called in to the DNR tip line at 800-847-9367, referencing Washington County eagle.