( CNN ) -- A brutal , fatal case of suspected cruelty to animals is under investigation in Louisiana , the state 's wildlife department said in a press release Tuesday . The animal cruelty does n't involve the typical household pet . This time , the United States ' national bird was victimized . Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries found a beheaded bald eagle Sunday in a drainage ditch in Franklin Parish , in the northeastern part of the state , according to the release . `` To see any protected animal decapitated in a ditch is disheartening enough , let alone the animal that represents our symbol of freedom , '' said Capt . Alan Bankston of the wildlife department . The agents believe the bird had been dead for a couple of days before it was found . Wildlife and Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck said the eagle was found in a very remote location , and agents are unsure if the bird was killed there , or slain somewhere else and dumped there . Agents are trying to schedule a necropsy to determine how the eagle died , Einck said . Bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act . Anyone who is convicted of violating those acts could be fined $ 5,000 and jailed for up to 18 months for each count , the state wildlife department said . Bankston urged the public to call the department with any information about the beheading . Anyone providing information leading to an arrest or conviction would be eligible for up to $ 2,000 in cash rewards . The agency 's hotline number is 1-800-442-2511 .
A bald eagle with its wings cut off is found in a drainage ditch in northeastern Louisiana . Bald eagles are federally protected ; killing one can bring fines and jail time . A phone number is available for people who have heard about the incident .