Nebraska deputies cite two men accused of shooting, killing bald eagle

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Two men were cited after deputies say they were caught with a dead bald eagle on Tuesday afternoon.

The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called out to the Wood Duck Recreation Area on report of a suspicious vehicle.

Deputies spotted the vehicle out in a field, and they spoke with two men.

Authorities later found a dead American bald eagle in their possession.

Deputies say that the men shot the protected bird in a nearby area and that the men said they planned to cook and eat it.

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The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission was called to the area, and staff secured the eagle and the men’s rifle.

The men, Ramiro Hernandez-Tziquin and Domingo Zetino-Hernandez, both 20 and of Norfolk, were cited for unlawful possession of an eagle.

Hernandez-Tziquin was also cited for driving without a driver’s license.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be levied.