A high-flying majestic bird, known as the nation's symbol, was found shot to death in northern Michigan. The Department of Natural Resources and the US Fish and Wildlife and now offering reward money for information on the shooter. Investigators say someone shot the bird between December 20th and 22nd in a rural area in Johannesburg in Otsego County. A mail carrier spotted the dead eagle in the snow on the side of the road, and then reported it to the DNR. A veterinarian later confirmed it died of a single gunshot wound. The local audubon society calls the death, “tragic.” “I can't understand a person that would do something like this,” says Tim Weier, the former president of the Michigan Highlands Audubon Society of Gaylord. The group is all about educating people about birds and protecting them. “Anytime you lose an eagle it's kind of a tragedy,” he says. “Besides being a national symbol, they're just sort of majestic and a joy to see fly and soar.” The lead officer on the case says they have a few people of interest but are still asking for help from the public. Bald eagles are no longer on the endangered species list, but are still fully protected by the state and federal government. 9&10's Ryan Raiche and Photojournalist Jeremy Erickson have the story.
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