BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the deaths of six bald eagles on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation that straddles the North Dakota and South Dakota border.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the dead eagles were discovered March 24 by the Standing Rock Game and Fish Department.

Director Jeff Kelly says all six were found in the same general area near McLaughlin, South Dakota.

He says the protected birds may have died from eating poisoned prairie dogs.

Kelly says hundreds of bald eagles migrate through the area and officials are keeping watch for any more mortality.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the South Dakota U.S. Attorney's office are involved in the investigation.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


See Also:

More From KXRB