In a Facebook post late last week, the Wright County Conservation Board made a disturbing announcement. On Sunday, December 6, they had received a call about a dead bald eagle in the county. X-rays later confirmed what conservation officials suspected. The eagle had been shot twice in the head. Now, over a week later, they are hoping for the public’s help to find the culprits.
As the social media post stated, the bird was located near a bridge that spans the Iowa River and is adjacent to the Groom Wildlife Area south of Rowan or northeast of Dows. County Conservation Director Eric Rector added in the post that the approximate diameter of holes found in the eagle’s head may indicate use of a .22 caliber rifle. “The condition of the eagle was such that it was possibly shot on Saturday, December 5 from the bridge,” Rector said.
The post also asked people for their help. “If you or you know someone that has pertinent information regarding this heinous behavior, please contact the Iowa DNR TIP HOTLINE at 1-800-532-2020 or contact the local sheriff’s office or conservation board office. We appreciate any and all tips that would help solve this crime.”
Notably, the conservation board’s original post has been updated a number of times in the last few days. This occurred as the reward for information about the crime grew. Rector’s post at first said a private citizen had offered a $100 reward. Other concerned individuals also pledged to open their pocketbooks and soon the reward was up to $2000. Less than two days later, the amount was over $5000. A Paypal account was set up on Monday to manage donations.
A subsequent update to the post also noted that they had investigated a lead, but it had not panned out. As Rector implored in the Facebook post, “Someone out there knows something about this case. Do the right thing and come forward so we can have a resolution to this senseless killing of the bald eagle.” Rector affirmed that people can call in information and remain anonymous.
This information was current as of press time on Tuesday. Please check the Wright County Conservation Board’s Facebook page for updated news. People can also contact the Conservation Board at 515-532-3185 for more information on the crime or donating to the reward.
