5 bald eagles 'did not die from natural causes' in Michigan, state officials say

Kate Perez, USA TODAYMon, April 27, 2026 at 7:32 PM UTC

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Multiple bald eagles were found dead in Michigan from what state officials described as something "not due to natural causes."

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said it is investigating the deaths of five bald eagles, which occurred in the Upper Peninsula’s Garden Peninsula between April 3 and April 17.

"It was confirmed that these deaths were not due to natural causes, predators, or vehicle collisions," the department wrote Monday in a Facebook post.

The deaths are the latest in a string of unusual circumstances impacting the bald eagle community. Severe weather has harmed the animals, leaving multiple bald eagles missing in Tennessee after a storm. Additionally, two baby eaglets in Alabama ware euthanized at the Auburn University Raptor Center after being swept from their nest.

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More: Bald eaglets euthanized after being swept from nest during storm

Do federal and state laws protect bald eagles?

Bald eagles are a protected species at the federal and state levels. According to Michigan's DNR, penalties in the state can include the following, in addition to court costs.

90-day misdemeanor charges.

Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per eagle.

Reimbursement of $1,500 per eagle.

The bald eagle was officially designated as the United States' national bird in 2024.

The department said anyone with information can contact its Report All Poaching Hotline by texting or calling 800-292-7800. Information can be submitted anonymously, and tips leading to an arrest and prosecution may be eligible for a cash reward.

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 bald eagles found dead from unnatural causes in Michigan

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