The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. (DOAS) has pledged $250 toward the reward fund set up to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for shooting an immature bald eagle found in New Lisbon, Otsego County on Saturday, April 25.
The bird is presently at Cornell University recovering from surgery.
Part of one wing was amputated. The bird will not be able to be released since it will never fly again.
DOAS director Tom Salo said, "New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation spent millions of dollars bringing this symbol of America back from the brink of extinction. We are pledging this money in the hope of helping find the perpetrator and bringing them to justice." Under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, violators can receive a fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense.
The reward fund is organized by wildlife rehabilitator Wes Laraway of New York Wildlife Rescue in Middleburgh, who first treated the shot eagle. The fund is now in excess of $1,000. Pledges may be made at http://www.redmaplefarm.net. Anyone with information on this crime should call the anonymous DEC Law Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-847-7332.