Mutilated Bald Eagle Found near Albert Lea

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened a criminal investigation after a bald eagle was found mutilated in a plastic bag near Albert Lea.

Since the bird is federally protected, killing or keeping a bald eagle is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

The agency's Tina Shaw said Friday the eagle's talons and part of one leg was cut off as well as its breast. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to the conviction of the responsible party.