Bald eagle stolen from wildlife refuge on Long Island

QUOGUE, N.Y. - Police on Long Island are searching for a bald eagle that was stolen from a wildlife refuge.

Police say the approximately 35-year-old male bald eagle was removed from its enclosure at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge in Quogue sometime between 3 a.m. and 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Police say they cut the fencing around the enclosure and stole the bird.

Police say the eagle was sent to the facility in Suffolk County by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1988 after being injured. Its right wing is partially amputated and it is unable to fly.

Officials say possession of a bald eagle, which is a federally protected species, is a federal offense punishable by fines and jail time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Quogue Village police department at 631-653-4791.  A $5,000 reward is being offered. in connection with the case.

With the Associated Press.