At least three bald eagles found shot to death

(CBS) SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. - The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for the public's help in finding whoever killed at least three bald eagles in Snohomish County, KIRO-TV reported.

Pictures: Crimes against animals (GRAPHIC IMAGES)

Officials said a total of four bald eagles were found floating in a small lake near Granite Falls last week. Investigators confirmed that three of them had been shot with a small-caliber rifle.

It's unclear how the fourth eagle died.

The species is protected under both state and federal law.

A nearly $4,000 reward is being offered for information about the person responsible for killing the eagles.