Authorities Announce Reward In New Jersey Bald Eagle Shooting

ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBS) -- The Humane Society and U.S. Wildlife authorities are offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to the conviction of the whomever is responsible for shooting and injuring a bald eagle found in a New Jersey backyard.

The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for the information, in addition to a $2,500 reward from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The wounded eagle was found perched in a tree on December 7, 2015.  The eagle sat for several days with a severely broken leg, before rescuers could capture it and take it to a rehabilitation center.

An examination revealed that the eagle had been recently shot.

Terri Edwards, spokeswoman with the USFWS, said: "Shooting a bald eagle is a serious crime and we urge anyone with information about this case to come forward."

Shooting an eagle is a violation of two federal laws: the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Someone convicted under those laws could face imprisonment of up to one and a half years with maximum fines of $100,000 and $15,000, respectively.

Anyone with information about this case should call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement in Elizabeth, New Jersey at (908) 787-1321, or 1- 844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477).