This was a senseless act. Only recently have sightings of ospreys become common along the Allegheny River. That someone shot one is an absolute shame. If anyone knows or hears anything about this illegal shooting, I would encourage them to call the Game Commission's TIP Hotline. Any information we do receive will be held in the strictest confidence.
Ospreys are large eagle-like hawks.
They are primarily fish-eaters and, in areas of good habitat, can be seen diving from the sky into the water to catch prey. They are listed as a threatened species in Pennsylvania and are fully protected by both state and federal law. The first Pennsylvania-hacked osprey returned in 1983, and two years later the state documented its first nesting pair since 1910. By 1996, more than 260 ospreys had been hacked in the state and Pennsylvania had 26 nesting pairs. Also, please provide the name of the organization you represent so we can determine which mailing list to place you in.