Bald Eagle Slain in Western Md.

Maryland's Natural Resources Police are investigating the death of a bald eagle near Cumberland.

The bird was found Friday afternoon several miles north of town on Hazen Road along Evitts Creek the agency said Monday. Someone apparently shot the bird.

Lack of decomposition suggests the mature bird was dead no more than a week, investigators said.

Though bald eagles were removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007 and Maryland’s threatened and endangered species list in 2010, the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act still protects them. A first offense by an individual carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Hunting, destroying or possessing any wild bird or non-game bird is prohibited by Maryland law.

Anyone with information about the bird's death should call the catch-a-poacher hotline at 800-635-6124 or Natural Resources Police at 800-628-9944.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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