Federally Protected Osprey Shot to Death

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation is offering a $700 reward through the Audubon Society for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot and killed a federally protected osprey in Palm Harbor.

The bird was found dead in Cobbs Landing. Its body was discovered on the sidewalk in the early morning at Shoreline Circle. The bird had a single gunshot wound; an X-ray showed metal fragments from the bullet in its body.

The bird is being kept frozen at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, as an investigation into the fatal shooting gets under way.

Ospreys are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Steep fines and jail are possible penalties for those found convicted.

There is a double reward for information. The number of the Wildlife Alert program is 813-272-3840, ext. 8371.