The Center for Biological Diversity, a national conservation nonprofit, is offering an additional $12,500 for information on an American bald eagle killed last month in north Alabama.

The mature bird was found Dec. 8 near Mt. Hope in Lawrence County with “many” shotgun pellets lodged in its carcass, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who along with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are seeking information on who was behind the incident.

“This majestic bird didn’t deserve a heartbreaking death, and whoever killed them must be brought to justice,” Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center, said in a recent release.

“This cowardly act against America’s national bird can’t go unpunished. I hope someone steps forward with information.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service previously offered up to $2,500 for information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fatal shooting.

The Center’s donation now brings the reward total up to $15,000.

Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Anyone who violates the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act face fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in federal prison, while violators of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act face up to a $15,000fine and/or up to a year in a federal lockup.

Anyone with information on the investigation has been asked to call U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Brad Rabalais at 601-331-0292 or the Alabama Game Watch Hotline at 1-800-272-4263.