By MARK TODD - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon
CONNEAUT —
State and federal wildlife investigators are wrapping up their year-long investigation into the deaths of bald eagles who apparently came into contact with a transmission line strung across Conneaut Creek, officials said last week.
Investigators were reluctant to share details of the probe until it is concluded, but did confirm a study was launched and is nearing its end.
“We’re just about done,” said Tom Tidwell, resident agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Tidwell’s territory includes Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. Tidwell said he could not share information for fear of jeopardizing the investigation, but did say the responsible party has been identified.
“We know everyone involved and we have evidence,” he said. “We’re not too far from being able to answer your questions.”
Keith Lott, who oversees wind energy wildlife biology for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, confirmed the state is working with the federal government on the matter. Lott said he understood two eagles were electrocuted by a transmission line that crosses the creek.
Lott also said the owner of line has been identified, but declined to comment. “We are actively involved with the group that has the transmission line,” he said.
Initially, rumors circulated that a wind turbine erected on Conneaut’s shoreline earlier this year was killing eagles. Lott said he is unaware of any eagle deaths connected to the turbine.
Ohio’s bald eagle population is thriving, according to the ODNR Web site. Last year, spotters found 219 eagle nests, which produced 197 eaglets, according to the agency, The birds are becoming an increasingly common sight in Ashtabula County, according to the state and local bird-watchers.
