DOVER, N.H. — New Hampshire Fish and Game officials are seeking the public’s help as they investigate two recent loon shootings.

Conservation officers say one loon was found shot in a field near the Cocheco River in Dover on May 20. It was taken to an emergency veterinary hospital and is expected to be released back into the wild.

In a second incident the same day, another loon was found dead on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford. That bird also had been shot.

The loon is protected by both state and federal law, and is a threatened species in the state. It is a misdemeanor to injure or shoot a loon, and even attempting to do so would violate the law.