Wildlife officers want to know who shot five federally protected ospreys in Jacksonville and Nassau County.

Four of the birds died and one survived and is being rehabilitated.

Lt. Paul Graham of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the birds have been killed in more than one area.

"It's not one specific area where someone is killing these birds," Graham said. "The bird have been shot in Callahan, around (the) Dames Point Bridge, off Beaver Street and in the Argyle area."

Ospreys are raptors that are protected by federal and state laws.

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The FWC says it is a criminal violation to take, possess, buy, sell, purchase or barter any migratory bird, such as the osprey, including its feathers or other parts, nests, eggs or products, unless proper permits are obtained.

"You really should not be shooting anything unless it's a duck and it's hunting season," said FCW spokesman Karen Parker.

Ospreys are large birds -- up to 2 feet tall with a wingspan of 6 feet -- and the raptors plunge into water to catch fish with their talons.

Anyone who sees an osprey injured or dead or has information about who might be killing the birds is asked to call the FWC's wildlife alert number at 888-404-3922 or report it online at myFWC.com/Law. Those providing information can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward.