Reward Jumps To $20,000 In Vermilion Parish Bald Eagle Killing

A reward offered in the shooting death of a bald eagle in Vermilion Parish has more than tripled as wildlife investigators continue searching for the person or people responsible.

When KPEL's Joe Cunningham reported on the case in January 2026, organizations had combined to offer up to $6,000 for information leading to a conviction.

Now, more than eight months after the eagle was discovered, that reward has increased to $20,000.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are still investigating the killing and hope the significantly larger reward will generate new information in the case.

Bald Eagle Was Found Shot Near Erath

The investigation dates back to Dec. 5, 2025, when LDWF enforcement agents received a report of an injured bald eagle near the intersection of Robert Road and Wilmer Road in the Erath area.

LDWF personnel located the injured bird, captured it and brought it in for an examination.

Officials determined the eagle had suffered a fatal injury consistent with a gunshot wound. The bird died shortly after being discovered and was later sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a more extensive necropsy.

No suspect has been publicly identified in the months since the eagle was killed.

Reward Has Grown From $6,000 To $20,000

When KPEL first reported on the case in January, the available reward totaled up to $6,000.

At the time, Humane World for Animals and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were each offering $2,500, while Louisiana Operation Game Thief was offering up to $1,000.

The reward has now grown dramatically.

According to wildlife officials, the Center for Biological Diversity has added $13,000 to the reward. Humane World for Animals is now offering $3,500, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering $2,500, and Louisiana Operation Game Thief is offering up to $1,000.

Combined, someone who provides information leading to a conviction could now be eligible for a reward of up to $20,000.

Investigators Still Need Information In Bald Eagle Shooting

The substantial increase in the reward comes as investigators continue trying to determine who was responsible for shooting the federally protected bird.

Anyone who knows something about the shooting, including information that may have seemed insignificant at the time, is being encouraged to contact wildlife authorities.

Tips can be submitted through Louisiana Operation Game Thief by calling 1-800-442-2511.

Information can also be submitted through LDWF's tip411 system by texting LADWF, followed by the tip, to 847411. Tips can also be sent using the free LADWF Tips app.

Both reporting options are available 24 hours a day, and tipsters can request to remain anonymous.

Get our free mobile app

Killing A Bald Eagle Can Lead To Federal Penalties

Bald eagles are protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

According to wildlife officials, a conviction for illegally killing a bald eagle can carry up to a $5,000 fine and one year in jail. A civil restitution fine of up to an additional $5,000 may also be assessed.

Months after the eagle was found fatally wounded near Erath, investigators are still looking for the information that could break the case.

This time, that information could be worth as much as $20,000.