HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Arthur “Chip” Brunst filed charges, on Jan. 22, in Juvenile Court of the Butler County Courthouse, against a juvenile Butler City, Butler County resident for the unlawful shooting an immature bald eagle.
The juvenile was charged with unlawful taking or possession of protected birds, which is a misdemeanor of the third degree. If convicted, the juvenile faces fines of up to $2,500. The Game Commission also is seeking restitution in the amount of $2,500; three years license revocation.
Around noon on Nov. 17, the juvenile allegedly shot the bald eagle just west of the Penn-American Water Co. on SR38 on the Center/Butler township line. A call from a concerned citizen alerted the Game Commission to the injured eagle, which was recovered and transported to Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Crawford County. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts, the eagle died on Nov. 26.
“This investigation was helped by calls we received after the Butler Eagle and on KDKA news covered the incident,” WCO Brunst said.
Assisting officers in the investigation were Game Commission Northwest Region Federal Aide Supervisor Kevin Thompson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent William Anderson, and Deputy WCO Robert Stephenson.