Texas man admits to shooting and killing bald eagle in 2024, US Attorney's Office says

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- A 42-year-old man admitted to shooting and killing a bald eagle at his Porter, Texas, home in 2024, Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced this week.

Santos Guerrero entered a guilty plea to shooting and causing the death of a protected species on Thursday, weeks after he was federally charged in March.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, authorities responded to reports of the incident and saw video footage of the eagle being killed. Investigators said they found the eagle and took it to a vet, but it had to be euthanized due to its injuries.

Investigators said the bullet caused substantial damage to the eagle's wing, and that it also had liver fractures, internal bleeding, and a fractured leg.

While bald eagles are no longer considered an endangered species, they are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The law mandates killing, possessing, selling, transporting, exporting, or importing any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, is illegal unless permitted.

Guerrero's guilty plea was accepted, and his sentencing is set for July 30, the U.S. Attorney's Office says.

Guerrero could face up to a year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000.