Wildlife officials at the state and federal level are investigating the recent deaths of seven bald eagles and one great-horned owl found on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the last few weeks.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Maryland Natural Resources Police believe the deaths are linked to a deadly pesticide known as carbofuran in the Kent and Talbot counties. The substance was used to kill bugs on crops but was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1991.
"This pesticide is so lethal that one granular piece can kill a bird," said lieutenant Roy Rafter.
Officials believe carbofuran is being intentionally used to get rid of so-called nuisance animals such as raccoons or foxes, which the bald eagles prey on.
"There was a fox in each location that the birds had been eating on, said Rafter, who added the fox had been sent to a lab in Oregon, where traces of carbofuran were found.
"It's very important that the public does understand that the Department of Natural Resources does have proper ways that you can eliminate these nuisance animals," he added.
"It's not just about them, it's not just about their property concerns. These are public resources, they're not just theirs. They can't just do what they want without going through the proper channels. They're being cowboys," said Walter Ellison, a member of the Kent County Birding Club.
Officials are asking anyone with additional information to come forward by anonymously contacting the Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers by calling or texting, 443-433-4112, email mwc.dnr@maryland.gov.
Anyone that gives them information that helps advance the investigation may be rewarded with up to $10,000.
In 2016, 13 eagles died of carbofuran in Federalsburg, Maryland. The culprit was never found.
