Researchers with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are looking into the shooting of two bald eagles in Rhea and Meigs Counties. The eagles are federally protected and violations carry penalties of up to $100,000 and/or one year in prison. State charges will also apply. The first bird was found off State Rt. 68 near State Rt. 58 in Meigs County on Jan. 30. Ammo used was a size eight to eleven shotgun pellets with the wounds being a week or so old. The second was found on the side of Abby Lane north of Highway 60 in Rhea County. The bird was found in poor condition. Both animals were transported to UT’s Veterinary Medical Center and later had to be euthanized. Tennessee currently has 200 active bald eagle nests. Anyone with any information on these acts should call the TWRA at 931-484-9571 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife at 615-736-5532. Picture courtesy of WVLT.