Authorities are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the shooting death of a bald eagle in Banks County.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of Law Enforcement in Atlanta and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement are investigating the incident.

A farmer found the bird on his property Aug. 7 in Banks County, south of Baldwin.

Tom MacKenzie, a spokesman for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said that the bald eagle had been shot.

“It’s inexcusable, but it does happen,” MacKenzie said. “We seek to prosecute those who kill our national emblem and our symbol.”

He said that the animal’s death was a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act — two statutes protecting the bird — which could carry fines of $100,000 and $15,000 respectively as well as up to one year in federal prison.

Information can be provided to the Ranger Hotline at 800 241-4130 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent John Elofson at 404 763-7959, ext. 222. Callers may remain anonymous.