MACOMB TWP (WWJ) -- A Macomb County man has been fined nearly $5,000 after firing several rounds at a nest of Cooper's hawks and killing three of them.
In June 2022, 65-year-old Arthur Anderson of Macomb Township hired a utility company to cut down trees on his property. The workers refused to remove one of the trees after finding a nest of young Cooper's hawks.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Anderson became frustrated, retrieved a shotgun from his home, and fired at least five rounds, which killed three of the birds.
Responding to an anonymous tip from the DNR's Report All Poaching Hotline, Sergeant Seth Rhodea and three conservation officers went out to Anderson's residence.
They spoke to Anderson, collected evidence from the scene and seized his shotgun.
Though Anderson initially claimed he had been firing at squirrels, he eventually admitted that he was angry the utility workers refused to cut down the tree and killed the hawks.
In early December, Anderson pleaded no contest to shooting the protected birds. He must now pay $4,500 to the state as reimbursement, $1,500 per hawk. Additionally, he owes $475 in related fines.
Anderson is also subject to six months probation, and his shotgun was officially confiscated.
"The Michigan Department of Natural Resources greatly appreciates the court system's support in this case," said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Dave Shaw. "All birds of prey are protected at both the state and federal level and are an important and enjoyable part of Michigan's natural environment."
