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Authorities are investigating the suspicious deaths of five bald eagles found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula earlier this month, with officials confirming the birds did not die of natural causes.
The eagles, a species protected under both state and federal law, were discovered in a single area on the Garden Peninsula, a stretch of land extending south from Delta County, bordered by Big Bay de Noc to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the birds were found between April 3 and April 17.
“The DNR is requesting tips from the public to help solve this ongoing investigation,” said 1st Lt. Mark Zitnik, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor in Newberry. “We can confirm that the eagles did not die from natural causes, predators or vehicle collisions.”
State penalties, in addition to court costs, can include a 90-day misdemeanor, fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per eagle and reimbursement of $1,500 per eagle.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local tribes are now helping with this investigation.
The DNR asks anyone with information to contact its Report All Poaching Hotline by calling or texting 800-292-7800. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest and prosecution.
