A wedge-tailed eagle has been shot with a crossbow in southern Tasmania, sparking public outrage and triggering a substantial reward for information leading to those responsible.
Three supporters of wildlife organisation Raptor Refuge have put up a $15,000 reward for details that result in the “arrest and conviction” of the perpetrator.
According to Raptor Refuge, the alleged attack occurred in Electrona.
Raptor Refuge described the incident as a “cowardly act” against an endangered species and said it “cannot go unpunished”.
“We are devastated to report that a wedge-tailed eagle has been shot with a crossbow in Electrona,” the organisation shared online.
“Despite our rescue efforts, we have been unable to locate the bird since receiving the distressing image of its original location.”
The group is urging the public to report any sightings of the injured eagle, saying their rescue team is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
The reward was initially set at $10,000 before an additional $5,000 was donated to encourage more information from the public.
Wedge-tailed eagles are Australia’s largest bird of prey and are protected by law. Harming them can result in heavy penalties.
“This is a brute and disgraceful act,” Raptor Refuge said.
“We need to unite against wildlife crime and protect our endangered wildlife.”
