Eagle Body Parts Dumped In Woodbury Neighborhood: Feds Seek Info

WOODBURY, MN — Federal authorities are offering a $2,500 reward for information on the recent dumping of the feet from eight raptors — including four bald eagles — in a Woodbury neighborhood.

The raptor parts were discovered Thursday on the west side of Cherry Lane, about 500 feet south of Lake Road, in tall grass just off the sidewalk.

Each of the 16 feet had the claw removed from each toe. A forensic examination is under way to obtain additional evidence.

Bald eagles and other raptors are protected by federal law, with the maximum penalty for the unlawful take or possession being one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

A second offense is considered a felony.

"A lucrative commercial market exists in raptor parts," U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agent Patrick Lund said in a news release. "We believe the talons from the raptor feet found in Woodbury may have been used to make jewelry for commercial sale."

Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact Special Agent Andrew Daiber at (651) 778-8360.