MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A 42-year-old man has admitted to shooting and killing a bald eagle at his Porter home in 2024, Acting U.S. Attorney John J. Mark announced.
Santos Guerrero pleaded guilty to shooting and causing the death of protected species on Thursday, weeks after he was charged federally in March.
According to the US Attorney’s Office, authorities responded to reports of the incident and viewed video footage of the eagle being killed. Investigators said they found the eagle and took it to a veterinarian, but it had to be euthanized due to its injuries.
A bald eagle rests in a tree next to Union Bay, January 16, 2024, in Seattle.
Lindsey Wasson, file
Investigators said the bullet caused severe damage to the eagle’s wing, and it also suffered liver fractures, internal bleeding, and a broken leg.
While bald eagles are no longer considered an endangered species, they are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The law states that it is illegal to kill, possess, sell, transport, export or import any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest or egg, unless permitted.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Guerrero’s guilty plea has been accepted, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30.
Guerrero could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.