Federal authorities are investigating the shooting death of a bald eagle in southeast Nebraska.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the bird was found Feb. 13 near Beatrice, about five miles east of U.S. 77.

The immature eagle was shot with a rifle, and ballistics testing will determine what type of rifle was used.

Laws and regulations protect bald eagles. A violation is punishable by up to a $100,000 fine and prison time.