The Pennsylvania Game Commission- Southwest Region is seeking information related to the unlawful killing of a juvenile bald eagle found along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, near Beaver Run Reservoir, in Salem Township, Westmoreland County on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.  

 

The state game warden was initially dispatched to the area for a report of an injured juvenile bald eagle lying in the woods along the trail. 

 

The eagle was picked up, but unfortunately, succumbed to its injuries before it could be transferred to a rehabilitator. 

 

While performing a necropsy of the eagle, the warden found what appeared to be a pellet from an air rifle lodged in the wing of the eagle. 

 

Due to the advanced infection of the wound, the eagle was likely shot more than a week prior.

 

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to report it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Central Dispatch at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or the Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001 or online at http://bit.ly/PGCOGT.

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance in helping to protect Pennsylvania wildlife!