More bald eagles found dead in nearby counties

COOKEVILLE -- No one really seems to know why three bald eagles have been found shot to death in Tennessee in the past year.

The bodies of the national symbol have been found in Cumberland and Bledsoe Counties and, earlier this week, another eagle found dead in Dover, Tenn.

"Essentially, there is no good reason to shoot an eagle," Bo Stone, Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said. "They generally live close to water and feed primarily on fish."

Stone says game wardens have a demanding, time-consuming job and often rely on tips from citizens to solve these crimes.

"They can't be everywhere at once to protect our wildlife," he said. "If it wasn't for concerned citizens many crimes of this nature would go unsolved."

Folks with any information regarding any of the cases are asked to call and report it. They can remain anonymous, Stone says.

The first person who provides information resulting in the successful prosecution of those responsible for both of these crimes will be eligible to receive up to a $17,000 reward. Read More