The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is warning citizens against shooting down drones or chasing drone operators, as these actions could result in federal prison time.
Reports of drones flying around bird flu-affected farms have prompted concerns about the spread of the virus.
Shooting down a drone is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and chasing down drone operators is also discouraged.
The FBI and FAA are investigating the reported drone sightings in Indiana and Ohio, but no information about the origins of the drones has been provided.