North Carolina man pleads guilty to shooting and killing bald eagle

For unknown and indeed very tragic reasons, a 91-year-old man shot and killed a bald eagle perched on a tree on June 5, 2024. Bald eagles are a protected species under the Protection Act of the bald eagle and the golden eagle. The law specifically states that it is unlawful to take, hunt, possess, capture, kill, or disturb a bald or golden eagle, its nest, or eggs unless authorized by the United States Secretary of the Interior.

Robert Garner Gambill, of Sparta, North Carolina, pleaded guilty Friday to using a Ruger M77 Mark 2 22-250 rifle on a fence post to shoot and kill the eagle, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. white-headed. After Gambill killed the eagle, he left the area.

The remains of the eagle were discovered by two people who witnessed the disturbing situation. Forensic tests performed during an autopsy determined that the eagle died from gunshot wounds from a powerful flail.

Gambill was fined $9,500 and his sentencing, which could carry up to a year in prison, is scheduled for next month.

The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States of America since 1782. It appears in many government institutions and on official documents. The bird was chosen because it is associated with authority, its long life, its great strength and its majestic appearance.

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