UPDATE – The eagle died on the way to the veterinarian in Mt. Pleasant. It was determined that the injury was not caused by a gunshot but likely a power line.
Texas Game Warden Shawn Hervey rescued a bald eagle with a possible gunshot wound to its wing Friday afternoon near Lake Wright Patman.
The eagle was found on the ground close to the entrance to Clear Springs Campground. Hervey responded after being alerted by a park ranger.
Hervey loaded the wounded bird into a cardboard box for transport to a veterinarian in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.
According to Hervey if the eagle survives it will likely go to an eagle conservancy in San Antonio, Texas. If not it will go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Eagle Repository for use by Native Americans for religious and cultural purposes.
Felony killing of a bald eagle carries up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Simply having eagle feathers in your possession can land you with heavy fines and prison time.
“If he has been shot the x-rays will show it,” said Hervey as he was loading the wounded bird into the box.
Hervey said the investigation will continue and he should know more about how the bird was injured in a day or two.
