Natural causes are ruled out in the deaths of 13 bald eagles in Maryland
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Reporting from Baltimore — Federal authorities have determined how 13 bald eagles found dead on the Eastern Shore have died, but will only say publicly that they have ruled out natural causes.
The focus of the investigation is now on prosecuting anyone responsible for the deaths — Maryland’s largest single die-off of the eagles in at least three decades.
Ruling out disease, which the eagles could have caught from chickens at the numerous poultry farms that dot the area or from migrating birds, was an important step in the case, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokeswoman Catherine Hibbard said.
Hibbard said in an email that investigators have determined how the eagles died but won’t release more information — including about any suspects — for fear of compromising the investigation.
The birds were found in February by a man roaming farm fields near Federalsburg looking for deer antlers. Maryland Natural Resources Police are working with federal authorities on the case and a $25,000 reward has been offered for information that leads to a conviction.
The birds showed no signs of trauma, indicating that they might have fallen prey to illness or poison.
Twitter: @iduncan
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