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Crime & Safety

5 Bald Eagles Found Dead In MI, DNR Investigating

Officials said the birds did not die of natural causes, predators or vehicle collisions.

Michigan DNR conservation officers are requesting assistance with any information regarding five deceased eagles that were located in Delta County’s Garden Peninsula April 3-17. (Michigan DNR)

Michigan wildlife officials are investigating after they found five dead bald eagles in the Upper Peninsula between April 3 and 17.

The dead bald eagles were all found along the Upper Peninsula's Garden Peninsula, which is a stretch of land south of Delta County between Lake Michigan and Big Bay de Noc, officials said.

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The birds did not die of natural causes, predators or vehicle collisions, Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Supervisor First Lt. Mark Zitnik said.

The DNR did not release their official cause of death.

Eagles are protected in Michigan. Killing the bird is a 90-day misdemeanor that can carry fines of up to $1,500, in addition to $1,500 in restitution per bird.

Officials ask anyone with information to call or text the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

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