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Sandhill crane shot with nail gun in Florida

Photo of injured sand hill crane in Bradenton. (Photo: Justin Matthews)

BRADENTON, Fla. — After a sandhill crane was found in Florida with a nail in its neck, wildlife officials in the area are seeking the culprit.

The bird was found in an East Bradenton neighborhood with a nail lodged in its neck. Justin Matthews, with Matthews Wildlife Rescue, said he was called to check on the bird and discovered that it had been hit by a nail gun, which caused the injury.

Matthews posted on his Facebook page that he did not believe it was an accident.

The young sandhill crane before surgery.I can't believe someone did this!

Posted by Justin Matthews on Monday, June 20, 2016

Matthews was able to catch the bird and bring it in for medical treatment, but the bird did not survive. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is looking into the incident with the culprit facing a fine of $5,000 or more and up to a year in jail because the sandhill crane is a protected animal.

Matthews told the Post that a reward of $1,050 is being offered for any information leading to an arrest.