Territorial Dispute Likely Killed Bald Eagle Found in Bemidji Area

A bald eagle found dead near a nest in the Bemidji area likely died in a territorial fight, not from poisoning or a gunshot, according to Minnesota DNR conservation officer Jim Guida. Guida fielded the call and found numerous eagles in the area, a pattern consistent with spring nesting competition among the birds.

Territorial clashes among bald eagles are common at this time of year. Frank Nicoletti, director of banding at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, has described these confrontations as routine: "I often see them locking and heading down toward land or water. They generally break off. It's pretty rare for them to hit the ground." That rarity played out recently at Duluth International Airport, where two adult bald eagles locked talons in mid-air and crashed onto the tarmac. Both survived but sustained deep puncture wounds before officers freed them.

If you find a dead or injured bald eagle, do not touch or keep it. Contact the Minnesota DNR or call The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota at 612-624-4745, staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, possessing any part of an eagle, including feathers or talons, is illegal whether the bird is alive or dead. A first offense carries a fine of up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison; a second violation is a felony. Report suspected violations by dialing #TIP from a cell phone.