The search for those responsible for destroying a bald eagle nest north of Dallas has intensified as the reward for information leading to a conviction has been raised to $15,000.
The Center for Biological Diversity announced that it has added $13,500 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's initial $1,500 reward.
The incident, which occurred in February 2023, involved the illegal destruction of an active bald eagle nest on private property slated for subdivision development.
"I'm outraged by the destruction of this eagle nest, and the perpetrator needs to be brought to justice for harming America's national bird," Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement.
"Whoever committed this cowardly act should be held accountable. Wildlife crime is utterly unacceptable, and I hope someone steps forward with information."
A Texas game warden had confirmed the presence of two bald eagles at the nest following a report from a concerned citizen. However, days later, special agents with the Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement discovered that the nest had been destroyed.
Bald eagles, the national bird of the United States, are protected under federal law. The destruction of their nests is a violation of both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Offenders could face fines of up to $250,000 and two years in federal prison.
The symbolic birds can be found in Texas all year round. They choose one mate for life and work together to raise their young, often returning to the same nest for several years in a row.
The incident highlights ongoing threats to bald eagles, despite their successful recovery from near-extinction in the mid-20th century.
While no longer listed as an endangered species—there are now an estimated 316,700 individual bald eagles, including 71,400 nesting pairs, according to the American Eagle Foundation—bald eagles continue to face challenges such as habitat destruction, illegal shooting and lead poisoning.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the nest destruction to contact the Service's Office of Law Enforcement in Fort Worth, Texas (817-334-5202), or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Operation Game Thief hotline (800-792-GAME). Callers with information may remain anonymous.
This isn't the first time such a high reward has been offered on behalf of bald eagle protection. In 2019, a $17,500 reward was put up by Long Island, New York, authorities for the safe return of an elderly bald eagle known as Sam.
The bird was reportedly taken from its enclosure at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
Sam, who couldn't fly on account of only having one wing, was sadly not found.
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