A man from Sparta, North Carolina, pleaded guilty on Friday to shooting and killing a bald eagle, a bird protected under federal law.<\/p>\n
Robert Garner Gambill admitted to fatally shooting the eagle on June 5, near the Farmers Fish Camp Road Bridge, which is located along the New River in Alleghany County, not far from the North Carolina-Virginia state line.<\/p>\n
The bald eagle, a national symbol of the United States, is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which was enacted in 1940 to help preserve the species.<\/p>\n
The law makes it illegal to kill, hunt, or capture bald eagles without a special permit. Those found in violation of the act can face severe penalties, including fines of up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison.<\/p>\n
According to court records, Gambill used a high-powered Ruger M77 Mark 2 rifle to shoot the eagle while it was perched in a tree.<\/p>\n
He reportedly set the rifle on a fencepost, took aim, and fired, killing the bird instantly. After the shooting, he left the eagle\u2019s body along the riverbank.<\/p>\n
Two witnesses saw the incident and reported it to authorities, leading to an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Gambill has agreed to pay a $9,500 fine and was released on bond. His sentencing is pending, though a date has not yet been set.<\/p>\n
Authorities encourage anyone who witnesses wildlife crimes to report them to the USFWS or the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. To submit a tip, individuals can call 1-844-397-8477.<\/p>\n