Conversation agents and the U.S Fish and Wildlife service are investigating the shooting of two bald eagles in northwest Missouri.

The shootings occurred in Clay and Caldwell county in January and February.

Conservation Agent Vincent Crawford found a dead eagle with a gunshot wound  near the Panther Creek low water crossing January 17th in Caldwell County. Crawford found the eagle after receiving a citizen tip.

A horseback rider found a dead eagle on Feb. 18 on the Jack Rabbit Bend Trail at Smithville Lake in Clay County.  An examination revealed that the eagle had been shot, but that it was in good health prior to the shooting.

Anyone with information can call the Missouri Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline, 800-392-1111. You do not need to leave their name, they do not have to appear in court, and they may be eligible for a cash reward.

The unlawful shooting of a bald eagle is a state and federal offense, which violates the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The penalty under the Eagle Protection Act is a fine of up to $100,000 and not more than one year incarceration or both.  The penalty under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a fine of up to $15,000 and not more than six months incarceration or both.