OPP search for stolen $15K golden eagle named Riff-Raff
People should not approach animal if found, police say
Riff-Raff, a $15,000 golden eagle, was stolen from an aviary on First Line near Erin, Ont., sometime between Jan. 27 and Jan. 28.
Wellington County OPP responded to the theft on Sunday.
Police say in a release that they don't believe it was done out of protest and that the suspects likely have "extensive knowledge and training" in handling the eagle.
"It's a bird that requires specific handling. A non-skilled person wouldn't be able to handle a bird this size, so we believe that someone that may have handled this bird likely had some experience with predatory animals like this," said Const. Joshua Cunningham.
Riff-Raff, is three years old. It is brown with white flecks and approximately 76 cm tall and weighs six kilograms. Police said people should not approach the eagle because it is not a pet.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Corrections
- A previous version of this story had incorrect dates for when it was believed the eagle was taken, based on information provided by police.Jan 31, 2018 8:35 AM ET