Hercules, a bald eagle, patrols Vancouver's International Airport (YVR) in Richmond, British Columbia on January 20, 2014. YVR's 'Raptor Program' was introduced in 2013 as part of their Wildlife Management Program to deter larger flocks of birds from hitting aircraft.Ben Nelms/The Globe and Mail
The remains of eight bald eagles and one golden eagle have been found in a ditch near Kamloops, B.C.
Officials with the Conservation Officer Service say the carcasses were discovered last month in the ditch beside a well-used public road.
Heads, feet, tail feathers and wings of all nine birds had been removed.
T'Kemlups Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson said eagles are sacred creatures for First Nations culture.
"Most importantly, when you look at how the eagles were desecrated it causes a concern for our wildlife, too," Gottfriedson said Wednesday.
Conservation officer Andy McKay said that while the eagle population is currently in good shape, any more such incidents could affect their numbers.
"In British Columbia they're yellow listed, which means they're secure and not at risk of extinction," he said, adding the service is looking for the public's help as it investigates the eagle killings. (CKIZ, CFJC)