Conservation officers say someone shot and killed a bald eagle in Mecosta County.
The bird was found March 1 stuck between limbs in a maple tree along 20 Mile Road in Grant Township near Big Rapids. Investigators think the eagle was perched on a limb when it was shot and fell until it was caught by branches.
They believe the dead eagle was wedged in the tree for a few days before it was noticed by a nearby farmer.
“That large maple tree,” says farmer Roger Aris, pointing to a tall tree. “It was about 60 feet off the ground. First we thought it was a trash bag and then we looked closer and saw the white head.”
“I hope they catch them,” says nearby resident David Wininger. “I hope they can persecute them. Not prosecute them because they are absolutely nuts.”
Nearby residents think the eagle was one of a pair that had been nesting in the area for a few years. “There has been a pair of them around for the last couple of years,” says Aris. “Now there is just the one flying around.”
There is a reward for information that leads the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. Anyone with a tip should call the D-N-R "Report All Poaching" hotline: 800-292-7800.