EPA, NSW Police investigate killings of eight wedge-tailed eagles in Conargo, NSW

Police are searching for answers after the discovery of the ‘horrible’ killings of eight native birds in southern NSW.

Wedge-tailed eagles are native to Australia. Picture: Ebony Graveur

NSW Police and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) have launched an investigation into the “horrible” poisoning deaths of eight native Australian wedge-tailed eagles.

Police were alerted to the dead eagles in October last year when a member of the public found them just off Willurah Road near the Riverina town of Conargo.

EPA officers sent two of the birds to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s forensic laboratory for examination, and a toxicology report determined the eagles died from pesticide poisoning.

A wedge-tailed eagle. Picture: Ebony Graveur

EPA director of regulatory operations Gary Whytcross said the EPA and NSW Police suspected the birds were targeted.

“To find that many birds dead, less than 40 metres apart, is highly suspicious, and now with confirmation of pesticide poisoning, it certainly looks like this was a targeted attack,” Mr Whytcross said.

The wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to 2.8m. They are native to Australia.

Mr Whytcross condemned the suspected attack and called on the general public to come forward with information.

“Wedge-tailed eagles, like all native Australian birds, are a protected species, and it is illegal to harm one,” he said.

“Killing eight eagles with poison is a horrible crime, and we want to find whoever did it.

“If you’ve seen any unusual behaviour, or know anything that could assist us, please contact the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555, the Deniliquin police station on 03 5881 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”