A reward for information leading to charges being filed against whoever shot a bald eagle on the West Penn Trail in Derry Township last week has been raised from $500 to $750, according to the couple who started a GoFundMe account to pay for bird’s medical expenses and the reward.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission continues to investigate the shooting of the bird, which was shot in the face and later euthanized because of the severity of its injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Game Commission’s Southwest Region office at 724-238-9523.

Cliff Wissinger of Derry Township, a member of the West Penn Trail Council, discovered the bird late Friday afternoon and contacted another member, Bill Rodgers, and his wife, Dorothy Pierini-Rodgers.

The Rodgers photographed the bird on the trail before the game commission picked it up. The couple set up the GoFundMe page to pay for the bird’s medical expenses and to offer an reward to help catch the shooter.

Pierini-Rodgers announced Thursday they were increasing the reward from $500 to $750 as people continue to donate to the GoFundMe account.

Bald eagles are no longer threatened or endangered nationally or in the state. However, the bird remains protected by state and federal laws, including the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Penalties can include jail time and thousands of dollars in fines.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)