Farewell to Jackie, the most iconic bald eagle in the world
More than a bald eagle, Jackie became a symbol of resilience, family and the power of connecting people with the natural world.
State and federal authorities as well as animal advocates are offering a reward of up to $20,000 to anyone with information on an individual who illegally shot and killed a bald eagle in Louisiana in December last year.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents, in an Aug. 24 news release, said they and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service are “investigating the illegal shooting and killing of a bald eagle” on Dec. 5, 2025, in Vermilion Parish, about 150 miles west of New Orleans.
LDWF added that law enforcement agents were alerted to an injured bald eagle, which they ultimately located and captured.
“The eagle was brought in for an examination, and it was determined that the eagle had a fatal wound, consistent with a gunshot wound,” the agents said, adding it “succumbed to the injury” shortly after.
The bald eagle was later sent to FWS for a necropsy. LDWF did not release further details of the necropsy, and the agency has not responded to USA TODAY’s request for more information as of Aug. 26.
Tips received
While LDWF and FWS investigators “have been working the case and received numerous tips,” they are now seeking additional details for which a reward of up to $20,000 is being offered to “anyone with information that leads to a conviction in this case.” The reward was previously $6,000, according to a January news release.
The reward now includes a $13,000 contribution from the Center for Biological Diversity, $3,500 from the Humane World for Animals, $2,500 from the FWS and up to $1,000 from Louisiana Operation Game Thief.
How to report information on the Louisiana bald eagle killing
Those wishing to share information on the killing can call the Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511 or report via the LDWF’s tip411 program. To use the tip411 program, citizens can text LADWF and their tip to 847411, or download the free “LADWF Tips” iPhone and Android app.
LDWF said the hotline and tip411 program are monitored 24 hours a day, and those reporting can remain anonymous upon request.
America’s national emblem
The national emblem of the United States since 1782, the bald eagle was an endangered species until 2007 when the bird’s population began to recover.
Bald eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, so killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs is strictly prohibited.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.