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Five Bald Eagles Found Dead; Investigation Launched, Penalties Threatened

4/28/2026

Summary

Michigan DNR Investigates

Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported five bald eagles dead on Garden Peninsula between April 3 and April 17, 2026.
Lt. Mark Zitnik said investigators ruled out natural causes, predators, collisions and poisoning.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local tribal partners are assisting the probe.
The public can anonymously tip the DNR at 1-800-292-7800, with rewards for arrests.
Violators face up to 90 days jail, a $100-$1,000 fine and $1,500 reimbursement per eagle.

Summary

Michigan Eagle Poaching

The illegal killing of five bald eagles was discovered in Delta County’s Upper Peninsula near the Big Bay de Noc shoreline on Lake Michigan.
Bald eagles are protected by Michigan state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, making such killings criminal offenses.
State penalties for eagle poaching can include court costs, fines of $100-$1,000, and a $1,500 reimbursement per eagle.

Summary

DNR Coordinates Release

On April 27, 2026 three outlets published nearly identical press-release language, indicating a coordinated Department of Natural Resources (DNR) release.
All three pieces list the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline (800-292-7800), show a neutral bias score, and have reliability scores of 42.5, 43.0, and None, indicating reliance on remote tips.
Each report repeats the same description of Garden Peninsula—south from Delta County between Big Bay de Noc and Lake Michigan—demonstrating standardized messaging.

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Michigan DNR Investigates

Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported five bald eagles dead on Garden Peninsula between April 3 and April 17, 2026.
Lt. Mark Zitnik said investigators ruled out natural causes, predators, collisions and poisoning.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local tribal partners are assisting the probe.
The public can anonymously tip the DNR at 1-800-292-7800, with rewards for arrests.
Violators face up to 90 days jail, a $100-$1,000 fine and $1,500 reimbursement per eagle.

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