Bald Eagle Found Shot In The Head In Westmoreland Co. Euthanized
DERRY, Pa. (KDKA) - A bald eagle had to be euthanized after it was found on a Westmoreland County hiking trail with a bullet wound to its head.
Dorothy Pierini-Rodgers said she was walking on the West Penn hiking trail in Derry Township, Westmoreland County on Friday evening.
She discovered the bird with a bullet wound and bloody head, so she contacted Officer William Brehun.
The bald eagle was shot in the head.
"Whoever did it was just mean," said Cliff Wissinger, a West Penn Trail volunteer.
Pierini-Rogers said it appeared like the shot went under his eye and out through his head.
The animal was transported to Verona, where its injuries were assessed.
Due to a skull fracture and damage to the airways, the eagle had to be euthanized.
"It was determined that the eagle had been shot in the head with a firearm," said Brehun
The eagle was an older male, Brehun said.
The Game Commission is investigating, as it's against the law to shoot a bald eagle.
"We will solve this case. Whoever shot this, it will come out," Brehun added.
