By Albert Lea Tribune and Associated Press

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information about a dead bald eagle that was found last month on Minnesota Department of Transportation property south of Albert Lea.

Federal authorities have opened a criminal investigation after the eagle was found butchered like a game bird.

The eagle’s talons and part of one leg were cut off, as well as the breast meat, similar to the way a hunter would take the breast meat off a duck or pheasant, agency spokeswoman Tina Shaw said. She added that the feathers — the most valuable parts — were left behind.

“This is not a hunting case. This is poaching, plain and simple,” she said.

The eagle was found in a plastic bag on March 20 or 21. She declined to give specifics of where the bird was found or how it died because of the ongoing investigation. The carcass will be sent to a forensic lab in Oregon for further examination, she said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to the conviction of any responsible party.

Conservation officers from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are assisting in the investigation, along with nonprofit organization called Turn in Poachers Inc. The organization encourages the public to report natural resource violations and serves as a way concerned residents can have a confidential way to share relevant information about the investigation.

The bald eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Killing or possession of a bald eagle or its parts is a violation of both acts, punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

People with any information related to this incident are asked to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office at 651-778-8360 or the Turn in Poachers line at 1-800-652-9093.