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Recent bald eagle killing isn’t the first in Texas, but not every encounter ends sadly
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Bald eagles build large nests in tall trees. Nests are roomy, often measuring six feet across and weighing several hundred pounds. Nests are typically made from sticks, then lined with leaves, grass and Spanish moss. Bald eagles believed to mate for life and may have can have one or more alternative nests within their territories. USFWS PHOTO/TOM KOERNER -
Bald eagles are majestic birds of prey that are protected by state and federal laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Killing one can land you in hot water with the law, resulting in several penalties including brisk fines and possible jail time. The civil restitution fee alone in Texas totals nearly $12,000 per bird. USFWS PHOTO/TOM KOERNER -
A bald eagle lies in a field where it was found dead in late October by a Nacogdoches County landowner. A second dead eagle was found about 20 yards away. TPWD game wardens say both birds had pass-through bullet wounds and had likely been shot by a rifle of some sort. Authorities are currently looking for tips in the case. TPWD PHOTO
Americas First Bird — the bald eagle — is making headlines across Texas again. The news isn’t good. In fact, it’s pretty darned sad.
That’s the word from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden Randy Stovall. Stovall, along with game warden Sean Reneau, are looking for tips that will hopefully point them to the person or persons responsible for killing a pair of bald eagles in the…