As a courtesy to the Quogue Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department is issuing their press release about a Bald Eagle that was stolen from the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
Quogue Village Police were dispatched to the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, located at 3 Old Country Rd, Quogue NY in reference to a reported “Missing Bald Eagle”. Upon arrival officers were met by Refuge staff who advised that an approx. 35 year old, male Bald Eagle, with a partially amputated right wing, had been removed from its cage and was unable to be located. Upon further investigation, it was observed that the Eagle’s enclosure had been cut with a sharp instrument and the fencing was pulled back to allow access. The Eagle was removed from its enclosure and taken to an unknown location.
This Bald Eagle has been a resident of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge since 1988 when it was sent to the facility by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service after being injured in the Western United States. The male Bald Eagle had its right wing partially amputated as a result of these injuries and it is unable to fly.
The public is reminded that possession of a Bald eagle, which is a federally protected species, under 16 U.S Code 668, is a federal offense punishable by fines and jail time.
At this time the Quogue Village Police Department Detective Division, along with our State and Federal Law enforcement partners, are working to identify the whereabouts of the Eagle and any possible suspects in this case.
Any information pertaining to this case should be directed to the Quogue Village Police Dept. at 631-653-4791.