WYTHE COUNTY, Virginia – Christmas Eve at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Shelter turned tragic as a young bald eagle succumbed to a gunshot wound in the wing. The center, which serves as a refuge for injured wildlife, was left mourning the loss of the majestic bird.
According to the staff at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Shelter, the eagle was found with a severe gunshot wound, and despite efforts to save its life, the bird did not survive. The shelter’s team expressed their sadness and outrage at the senseless act of violence that led to the eagle’s death, calling it a “horrific crime.”
Bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, harass, or kill these birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now involved in the investigation and is working with local authorities to find the perpetrator responsible for this act of cruelty.
The loss of the young bald eagle has also sparked outrage and sadness in the local community and among wildlife conservation advocates. The incident serves as a reminder of the threats that wildlife, especially apex predators like bald eagles, continue to face in their natural habitats.
It is crucial for law enforcement to swiftly investigate this crime and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. The unlawful killing of a federally protected species is a serious offense, and justice must be served for the sake of wildlife preservation and conservation efforts. The incident also underscores the importance of raising awareness about the protection of these iconic and vulnerable species in the wild.