Louisiana bald eagle killing reward increased to $20,000

The reward for information leading to a conviction in the illegal shooting of a bald eagle in Louisiana has increased to $20,000. The bird was discovered injured near the intersection of Robert and Wilmer Roads in the Erath area of Vermilion Parish on December 5, 2025.

A necropsy conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed the eagle died from a fatal gunshot wound. While investigators have received numerous tips, no suspects have been identified.

The expanded reward pool includes $13,000 from the Center for Biological Diversity, $3,500 from Humane World for Animals, $2,500 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and up to $1,000 from Louisiana Operation Game Thief. Killing a bald eagle is a federal violation that can result in fines and jail time.