Wildlife officials investigate person in possession of dead bald eagle

Two people in Georgia are facing charges after they were found to be in possession of a dead bald eagle and animals.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources received information about the suspects after one of them inquired about having the bird mounted.

Officials went to the person's house and interviewed two people who were in possession of an illegally taken wood duck and two illegally taken deer.

Multiple charges were filed against them, officials said. The cause of death of the eagle is still under investigation.

Wildlife officials said the investigation could lead to more charges.

The Bulloch County Sheriff's Office is also looking into possible weapons violations.

The eagle and duck were seized as evidence and will be donated to an educational institution after the case has been settled.

Wildlife officials said most people realize that eagles are protected by state and federal law but all other non-game migratory birds, which includes common songbirds, are also protected by the Migratory Bird Act.

Cox Media Group