An eagle was found dead recently on the Dempsyer Highway and the search for the poacher continues.
Highway maintenance staff discovered the dead bird at km 267 on the west side of the Dempster Highway and reported it to Dawson Conservation Officers.
Kirvy Meister is the Manager of the Field Operation of the North Region for Conservation Officer Services.
“On September 24, or 25, we believe an eagle was shot at the remains of a moose harvest,” Meister said. “A poacher shot the bird and then removed its legs, leaving behind the rest of the eagle.”
Meister says that a hunter killed a moose along the highway leaving the remains of the kill behind which it perfectly legal.
“It’s very common for eagles to land on the remains left behind by hunters as they scavenge for food,” Meister said. “We don’t know what the motive would be for killing the bird. The only thing we can speculate is that the poacher removed the feet of the eagle as a souvenir of their kill or to use as an item for jewelry.”
Meister says that it’s not common to see these birds harmed, removing the feet of the dead eagle is not a traditional practice in the Yukon.
“The eagles are protected from hunting for any purpose,” Meister said. “If anyone has any information please contact Dawson Conservation Officers.”
If you have any information on this case you can call the TIPP line toll-free at 1-800-661-0525
“Callers do not have to identify themselves and relevant information may be eligible for a cash reward,” Meister said.
The investigation is ongoing.
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