Overview
- CPW officers, Northglenn park rangers, and animal control found the injured eagle on Jan. 12 on the icy shoreline of Croke Reservoir near West 104th Avenue and Huron Street.
- X‑rays showed a metal ball bearing lodged in a wing, which veterinarians surgically removed before transferring the bird to continued care.
- Officials say the projectile could have been fired from a firearm, slingshot, or another device, and they believe this was not licensed hunting.
- CPW is urging anonymous tips via Operation Game Thief (1-877-265-6648, game.thief@state.co.us) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (1-844-397-8477, fws_tips@fws.gov).
- Injuring or killing a bald eagle violates the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, with first offenses punishable by fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison.