9:40 AM

Bald eagle, shot near Tulare, S.D., dies during surgery

Posted: Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:00 am

WATERTOWN, S.D. (AP) - A bald eagle that was shot near Tulare died at the Watertown zoo during surgery to place a steel plate into a broken leg bone.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks are offering a reward for information about the shooting. Bald eagles are protected by both federal and state law.

The immature eagle was hit by shotgun pellets sometime during Thanksgiving week.

Watertown zookeeper John Gilman said he thinks the eagle was shot while in flight and then broke its leg and possibly a wing when it hit the ground.