March 21, 2016
The death of four bald eagles in Delaware last weekend has prompted an investigation by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
One eagle was found dead Saturday morning near Dagsboro. Three additional eagles later died after resuscitation efforts failed. That trio was part of a group of eagles found disoriented in a field in the Piney Neck area of Sussex County – about a mile from the area where the first dead eagle was discovered.
Five other eagles were transported Saturday to Tri-State Bird Rescue in Newark, where two remain under care. Three others flew away before they could be captured and have their health evaluated.
DNREC's Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are conducting the investigation, but Sgt. John McDerby said he could not comment on the possible cause of death.
“This is an active investigation and we do not know what has caused the eagles to become sick and die,” McDerby said in a statement. “We’re also asking people not to attempt to capture or handle any eagles they encounter on the ground. These eagles will already be distressed so handling them could cause additional injuries to the eagle and possibly to anyone trying to help them.”
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service agents are expected to join the investigation.
Thirteen bald eagles were found dead Feb. 20 near Federalsburg, Maryland. A forensic laboratory determined the eagles did not die from natural causes.
Anyone with information about the dead eagles is asked to contact the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Game Theft hotline at (800) 292-3030. Sick or injured eagles can be reported to the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police dispatch center at (800) 523-3336.
