Protected bird euthanized in Nebraska after pellet permanently injures wing

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Game and Parks officials are looking for whoever shot an osprey in Lincoln last month.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says an osprey was illegally shot near 20th Street and Nebraska Parkway.

The Raptor Conservation Alliance found the bird on April 16 and realized it had been shot with a single pellet.

That pellet permanently injured the bird’s wing, so it was euthanized.

Officials say the bird may have been shot around April 15 while feeding at a nearby pond.

Ospreys are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The commission says information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Nebraska Wildlife Crime Stoppers at 800-742-7627 or Conservation Officer Dina Barta at 402-890-6463.