On a frigid January afternoon in Northglenn, a bald eagle turned up on the icy edge of Croke Reservoir with a gunshot wound in its wing, and now state wildlife officers want to know who pulled the trigger.
The injured raptor was found along the shoreline on Jan. 12 and taken to a local wildlife rehabilitation facility, according to wildlife officials. Veterinarians discovered a small metal projectile lodged in the bird’s wing and removed it during surgery. The eagle is now recovering, officers said, while local rangers work with state investigators to piece together how it was shot. Authorities are asking anyone who might know what happened to come forward so they can identify whoever is responsible.
In a statement to Denver7, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Kara Van Hoose said Northglenn park rangers and Northglenn Animal Control officers captured the eagle near W. 104th Avenue and Huron Street and turned it over to wildlife staff. X-rays at the rehabilitation clinic showed a ball bearing embedded in the wing. CPW officials said veterinarians surgically removed the metal fragment, and the bird remains under care.
As reported by CBS Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-877-265-6648 or email [email protected]. Tips can also be sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 1-844-397-8477 or [email protected], and callers may remain anonymous.
Federal Laws Protect Eagles And Carry Penalties
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act make it illegal to take, kill, or injure eagles without a permit, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Violations can bring civil fines and criminal charges, particularly in willful or repeat cases, and enforcement typically involves state and federal partners working together to investigate and preserve evidence. Officials said those protections are designed both to deter harm to eagles and to allow prosecutors to pursue cases when warranted.
Why This Matters Locally
Front Range reservoirs and river corridors draw bald eagles during the winter months, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife coordinates seasonal monitoring and public outreach to help protect the birds and their nests. Quick reporting by park rangers and residents helps injured eagles get medical care faster and gives investigators a better shot at gathering leads. Officials said community tips can be crucial both for rescuing wildlife and for holding potential offenders accountable.
