U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) officials announced that the 13 bald eagles found dead in Maryland in February did not die of natural causes. The massacre is the largest die-off among U.S. national birds in three decades, prompting officials to offer a reward to capture the assailant responsible for the killing.

Laboratory results have shown that the eagles did not die of any natural cause from a disease. Wildlife officials are hinting that the birds were killed by man-made actions but the agency declined to say whether they were poisoned.

"Our investigation is now focused on human causes and bringing to justice the person(s) responsible for the death of these eagles," said Catherine J. Hibbard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokeswoman.

On Feb. 20, a citizen reported finding several dead eagles in the field near Laurel Grove Road and Richardson Road. When officials arrived in the location, they found a total of 13 dead bald eagles. This follows the removal of bald eagles in the list of endangered species.

They are, however, still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which predisposes the assailant to fines of $100,000 and $5,000 respectively. The person or people, who may have murdered these birds, face up to one year imprisonment.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which was passed in 1940, provides protection of the bald eagle or the golden eagle by prohibiting its sale, purchase, transport and barter. It also prohibits the "take" of these animals which may include shooting, killing, poisoning or trapping them. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act which aims to protect birds that migrate across international borders.

The Service is contributing about $2,500 reward for the capture of the one responsible for the killing. The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust offered an additional $5,000 reward.

Other agencies, however, joined the pledge to make sure justice will be served. A combined total of $25,000 in reward money will be offered for information leading to the arrest of the persons responsible. The Center for Biological Diversity and the Phoenix Wildlife Center contributed to raise the reward money.

The bald eagle is a U.S. National Emblem chosen on June 20, 1782 because of its long life, astonishing look and strength.

Photo: Den Smith | Flickr