Reward Spikes For Missing Bald Eagle; Scores Pray For Safe Return

QUOGUE, NY — As a devastated community continues to pray for the safe return of Sam, a one-winged bald eagle ruthlessly stolen from his enclosure in the dark of night, the reward amount continues to increase.

The Suffolk County SPCA announced Wednesday that it has increased its reward to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the theft of the bald eagle snatched from the Quogue Wildlife Refuge — the only home he has known for 30 years.

An unknown person entered the Refuge, located at 3 Old Country Road, between 2:15 a.m. and left at 4:15 am on July 16, one week and a day ago, the SPCA said.

The reward now totals $17,500, including $10,000 from the Suffolk County SPCA, up to $2,500 from Crime Stoppers and $5,000 from Nassau County SPCA, said Marisa Nelson, assistant director of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

"We are all hoping for the safe return of Sammy," the Suffolk SPCA said.

Nelson said Sam's disappearance has had a ripple effect near and far. "It's heartbreaking for so many people. It's so sad," she said. "It's affecting anyone who knows him."

The bald eagle was stolen from the Quogue Wildlife Refuge last week, police said. According to Quogue Village Police, officers responded to the facility, located on Old Country Road, and were told by staffers that a 35-year old male bald eagle with a partially amputated right wing had been removed from its cage and could not be found.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the eagle's enclosure had been cut with a sharp instrument and the fencing pulled back to allow access; the eagle was removed from its enclosure and taken to an unknown location, police said.

Nelson said camera footage shows someone crossing the parking lot at 2:15 a.m. on foot and leaving again at 4:15 a.m. with a "bag of some kind."

When asked why someone may have taken the bird, Nelson said. "We won't know why they did it until we find out who did it. Maybe they wanted to keep him as their own. Or maybe they wanted him because there is a black market for eagle feathers. It's just an awful thing."

The main priority, she said, is to get Sam back safely. "He can be dropped off anywhere, a vet's office, anywhere, anonymously. Just let us know where he is. Everyone is on the lookout for Sam the bald eagle. Finding him would be the most wonderful thing to happen. We are all hoping for that."

She added that his disappearance has rocked the Refuge staff. "Everyone is heartbroken here. And we're angry, too."

Sam's plight has sparked interest near and far, with interviews being done as far away as a podcast in Los Angeles and a video for YouTube in Vancouver.

When asked why Sam's disappearance has touched so many hearts, Nelson said, "There are generations of people who know this bird— he's one of a kind — and you don't often get to see a bald eagle up close and learn his story."

Sam's story has been marked by major obstacles: He was struck by an illegal gunshot in the 1980s, which led to the partial amputation of his wing and his need for permanent housing and care. "That's how he came to us," Nelson said.

Not only is the majestic creature a federally protected species, Nelson said, "but he's a symbol of our country. People are horrified by this. They're angry and upset across the country. We are just keeping hope right now."

While the Refuge is not soliciting donations for reward money at this time, they have set up an animal enclosure improvement fund to assist in the repair and update of its caging facilities and the installation of better security cameras. To donate, click here.

The stolen bald eagle has sparked an outpouring of sadness. Messages from sad children are tied to Sam's empty cage. "Dear Sammy, I hope you can be back soon," one child wrote. "We miss you. We will try to find you," wrote another. "Sammy, I wish you will come back. It bracks (sic) my heart that your (sic) missing. I will never like the person who stole you," another little girl said.

On Saturday, Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron, Suffolk County Crime Stoppers President Nick Amarr, Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross, Quogue Village Police Department Chief Christopher B. Isola, and Quogue Wildlife Refuge Director Michael Nelson gathered at Suffolk County Police headquarters in Yaphank to announce the guaranteed Crime Stoppers reward.

The bald eagle has lived at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge since 1988, when it was sent to the facility by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after being injured in the western United States, police said.

Possession of a bald eagle, a federally protected species, is a federal offense punishable by fines and jail time, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, texting "SCPD" and a message to "CRIMES" (274637) or emailing www.tipsubmit.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential. Or, you can call the Quogue Village Police Department at 631-653-4791 or Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.