Newtown PD Responds to Call of Injured Bald Eagle on Mount Pleasant

A bald eagle isn't just some bird, it's a symbol of American freedom that is protected under Federal law.

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This means any report of a bald eagle being injured or killed is serious business. On Monday (10/09/23), the Newtown Police Department & Animal Control responded to a tip of a possibly deceased bald eagle lying in the street on Mount Pleasant Road. The Newtown PD issued the following statement on the Department's Facebook page:

Today, Newtown Police and Animal Control responded to Mount Pleasant road for a report of a Bald Eagle possibly deceased in the roadway. We are happy to report that after a short while, the Eagle became alert and walked off the roadway, then subsequently flew into a nearby tree. We wish the Eagle a speedy recovery and offer our sincere thanks to the passer-by who stopped to keep it safe from traffic.

As a reminder; large birds of prey are very beautiful but can be dangerous if mishandled or approached improperly, especially if they are frightened/injured. If you encounter an injured bird of prey please give it plenty of space and contact animal control.

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

The Bald Eagle will continue to be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act even though it has been delisted under the Endangered Species Act.

This law, originally passed in 1940, provides for the protection of the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle (as amended in 1962) by prohibiting the take, possession, sale, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, of any Bald or Golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless allowed by permit Bald Eagle sitting in tree (16 U.S.C. 668(a); 50 CFR 22).

“Take” includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb (16 U.S.C. 668c; 50 CFR 22.3).

The 1972 amendments increased civil penalties for violating provisions of the Act to a maximum fine of $5,000 or one year imprisonment with $10,000 or not more than two years in prison for a second conviction.

Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment. The fine doubles for an organization.

Rewards are provided for information leading to arrest and conviction for violation of the Act.

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