Raptor Death Sparks Outrage in Tasmania: $10,000 Reward Offered
A $10,000 reward has been offered for information regarding the death of a white-bellied sea eagle in Tasmania, a protected species found dead with a black cable tie wrapped around its leg.
The Incident
The bird was discovered deceased near the town of Evandale. A black cable tie had been tightly secured around its leg, a constraint that ultimately led to its death. Craig Webb, founder of the Raptor Refuge, received photos of the bird's injury and described the act as "cruel" and "calculated."
Legal Status
White-bellied sea eagles are a protected species in Australia. Deliberately harming them is a criminal offense carrying serious penalties, drawing the attention of both animal welfare groups and law enforcement.
Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. You can contact:
- Raptor Refuge
- Tasmania Police
- NRE (Natural Resources and Environment)
- Crime Stoppers
A Disturbing Pattern
This incident is not isolated. In August 2023, Raptor Refuge appealed for information after a wedge-tailed eagle was shot in the leg with an arrow. That bird, named Cupid, was nursed back to health and successfully released earlier this year.
Broader Threats
Beyond deliberate acts of cruelty, power lines represent a significant cause of eagle deaths in Tasmania, frequently electrocuting birds. Webb has criticized the insufficient use of bird diverters, devices designed to make power lines more visible and safer for wildlife.