Maryland officials search for killer of 13 bald eagles found in field

The dead eagles were found on 20 February and were thought to have fallen victim to a disease - but now officials say 'these were human-caused deaths'

Wildlife officials have said 13 bald eagles found dead in Maryland last month did not die from natural causes. A hunt for whomever killed the birds is under way.

The bodies of the 13 eagles were found in a field in Federalsburg, Maryland on 20 February. It was first thought the birds may have fallen victim to Avian flu or another disease, but after necropsies by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) this possibility has been ruled out.