Two bald eagles have been shot and killed in Iowa in the last two weeks, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Bald eagles are a protected species in Iowa.

Two weeks ago, an immature bald eagle was found dead, after being shot, in the Boone Forks Wildlife Area, near Dayton, Iowa.

Another bald eagle was found shot last Saturday (3/18) at  Lehigh, Iowa. The second eagle was found alive but died during transport. The bird had been shot twice. Both Dayton and Lehigh are in Webster County, southwest of Mason City. The two towns are less than 10 miles apart.

Webster County, Iowa
via Google Maps
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Iowa DNR conservation officer Bill Spece told WHO,

"People out around here are outraged. Both eagles were shot with a similar caliber firearm and left for dead so it is possible that these cases are related.”

If you know anyone who lives in that area who may have information about the shootings, please have them call the 'Turn in Poachers' hotline. The phone number is 800-532-2020. Information can be provided anonymously.

[via WHO]

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