$15,000 Reward For Information On Bald Eagle Nest That Was Illegally Destroyed In Texas

The Center for Biological Diversity recently increased the reward to $15,000 for information leading to a conviction for the illegal destruction of an active bald eagle nest north of Dallas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a $1,500 reward last year, and the Center is boosting the amount by $13,500.

“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,” said Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center. “Whoever committed this cowardly act should be held accountable. Wildlife crime is utterly unacceptable, and I hope someone steps forward with information.”

In February 2023, a concerned citizen reported an active bald eagle nest on a private property being developed for a subdivision. While visiting the location, a Texas game warden observed two bald eagles sitting on the nest.

During a site visit conducted days later, special agents with the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement confirmed that the nest had been illegally destroyed.

Bald eagles and their nests are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It is illegal to kill, disturb, or harm an eagle, its nests, or its eggs under these laws. Violations can result in harsh penalties, including fines of up to $250,000 and two years imprisonment. These regulations underscore the vital importance of conserving bald eagles and their habitats.

Bald eagles live in Texas throughout the year, forming lifelong partnerships as they raise their young together. These pairs typically return to the same nests for many years, making this loss even more tragic. The strong bonds and commitment these eagles show to their families emphasize the critical need to safeguard their habitats.

These magnificent birds were once on the brink of extinction, but thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, their population has significantly rebounded.

Thanks to these efforts, the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007. However, they are still protected under federal law, and continued conservation efforts are necessary to maintain their population.

Threats like habitat destruction and environmental toxins remain, so vigilance in protecting these majestic birds is still important.

Anyone with information about the destruction of the bald eagle nest is asked to contact the Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Fort Worth, Texas, at (817) 334-5202 or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 792-4263. Callers with information may remain anonymous.