OCONTO COUNTY (NBC 26) -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for the public’s help in the case of an illegal shooting of an osprey in Oconto County.
According to a CRIMESTOPPERS alert from the DNR, the shooting happened on or around April 1. Wardens report the osprey was found around 4 p.m. on Springside Road in the Town of Brazeau.
The bird wasn't found dead, the DNR says, but injured. The osprey died a few days later after it was taken to a rehabber. Exams of the bird determined it had been shot in its wing.
The DNR says ospreys are protected species in Wisconsin. Anyone who shots an osprey can face up to $2,327 in penalties and a 3-year revocation of all hunting, fishing and trapping privileges.
If you have any information, no matter how minor you may consider it is, please call or text the WDNR Violation Hotline, 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367.
