A Vermont man has been indicted for shooting a bald eagle in July.
Randy Goss, 46, of Barnet, Vermont admitted to the crime after an investigation by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department State Game Wardens and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent, officials said.
Goss's charge comes with a $1,222 fine and restitution and three-year loss of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses upon conviction.
Taking a bald eagle is against both state and federal law. Bald eagles are listed as State endangered in Vermont.
According to officials, the eagle was shot with a .22 caliber rifle which was seized as evidence.
"We received several complaints from the public with information about this serious violation," Colonel Jason Batchelder, Vermont's chief game warden, said. "Holding the violator accountable for the crime would not have been possible without these complaints."
Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter said wildlife violations, especially of endangered species, are taken very seriously.
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officials ask anyone with information about any poaching activity to contact their local warden through their nearest State Police radio dispatcher or to leave an anonymous tip on the Operation Game Thief phone by calling 1-800-752-5378.
