Authorities with the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service and the D-N-R have launched an investigation into who shot a peregrine falcon.
The rare bird was found shot in the wing near the Weston power plant. The falcon is believed to be the father of a family resting atop the power plant. A mother and two young falcons appear to be O-K.
Marge Gibson with the Raptor Education Group in Antigo says the bird was likely shot last week, but discovered early Monday morning by Wisconsin Public Service workers ending their shift. And that has delayed the bird's recovery. Her staff has been tube feeding the bird trying to nurse it back to health.
Gibson says there are only two dozen peregrine falcons in Wisconsin so keeping this one alive and well is crucial. But Gibson says, right now the falcon's condition is marginal.
Wisconsin Public Service is offering a thousand-dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot the falcon. That suspect faces up to 100-thousand dollars in fines and a year in prison.
Gibson says her staff has been experiencing different emotions as they care for the bird, including sadness. Sadness for the bird, the family, for Wausau and sad for someone who would shoot a falcon.