North Carolina man pleads guilty to killing bald eagle

Bald eagle injured in fight in Howell. Photo by Howell Police Department

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Robert Garner Gambill, 91, of Sparta, N.C., pleaded guilty in federal court today to killing a bald eagle, a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, according to U.S. Attorney Dena J. King. Gambill admitted to the unlawful shooting of the federally protected bird with a high-powered rifle in June 2024.

Court documents revealed that on June 5, 2024, Gambill used a Ruger M77 Mark 2 22-250 rifle, equipped with a Nikon Monarch scope, to shoot a bald eagle perched in a tree near the Farmers Fish Camp Road Bridge in Sparta. Gambill left the scene, abandoning the eagle’s carcass along the New River. Two witnesses reported the incident, leading to the recovery of the eagle by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A forensic necropsy confirmed the bird died from a gunshot wound.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, enacted to protect bald eagles from extinction, prohibits the killing or possession of these birds without a permit. Gambill faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. He has also agreed to pay a $9,500 fine and is currently out on bond. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Breaking Local News Report
Shore News Network is the Jersey Shore's #1 Independently Local News Source. Multiple sources and writers contributed to this report.

Related posts

Surrendered dog hopes for forever home in Jackson

Shy kitten Cinnamon waits for a forever home in Jackson shelter

Jealousy suspected in New Jersey double murder-suicide involving state trooper