MOULTONBOROUGH, N.H. (AP) – Biologists examining a loon that died from a fight with another loon found that it also had been shot three times in the head with a pellet gun.

The dead loon was found on Meredith Bay in April, The Citizen reported.

Loons are protected under the Endangered Species Conservation Act and shooting a loon is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $1,200.

Two loons rescued last year also had pellet shot wounds. Both survived their injuries and were released in Maine, though one later died. The other loon will be permanently unable to fly.