State will increase fines for eagle killings
HARRISBURG (AP) – The state agency that manages wildlife in Pennsylvania is imposing much steeper fines for people who kill bald or golden eagles.
The Game Commission on Tuesday approved increasing the “replacement cost” for the eagles from $200 to $2,500 per violation.
The $200 cost was the result of the fact neither type of eagle is considered threatened in Pennsylvania.
The commission said it raised the amount because the iconic raptors need extra protection.
There were several other reports this year of wounded or injured eagles in Pennsylvania, including one last week that died of of its wounds.
The bird was found Sept. 14 near McConnellsburg in Fulton County. That’s about 130 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
The young female had gunshot wounds, and had broken bones in its legs and wings.
It was also dehydrated and malnourished.
The bird was treated by a vet, but died during the week.
Bald eagles are no longer a threatened species in Pennsylvania and are no longer listed as endangered or threatened under federal law. But the birds are still protected under two federal laws, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Protection Treaty Act.