By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – Conservation officials in Missouri are worried about a rash of eagle killings around the state.
Ten eagles have been found shot or dead of apparent poisoning in recent months, and seven of the deaths are being investigated by the state conservation department.
Killing eagles violates both state and federal law. Those convicted can face up to a year in prison and a five-thousand-dollar fine.
Federal officials say the number of eagle deaths is rising each year, due in part to the fact that there are simply more eagles around.
In some cases, eagles are killed for their feathers and talons, even though possessing either is illegal. But in Missouri, officials say the killings tend to be opportunistic and random.