We have often noted human cruelty in these posts. Today the subject is a number of bald eagle deaths among an estimated 3,600 birds slain. Their parts were allegedly sold on the black market.
The birds were allegedly killed by two Pacific Northwest men who apparently didn’t do too much to hide their trail.
According to USA Today the birds included both bald and golden eagles. The pair are charged with engaging in a multi-year killing spree.
USA Today said:
“Federal prosecutors in Montana charged two men for allegedly killing 3,600 birds, including bald eagles, and selling them on the black market.
Simon Paul and Travis John Branson were accused of killing the birds on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana and elsewhere, according to court documents filed Dec. 7 in Missoula. The killing of bald and golden eagles is a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
According to the indictment, the pair illegally shot the birds and sold parts or all of the eagles between January 2015 and March 2021.
They were charged with violating the Lacey Act, a law that bans trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish, or plants. They also face 13 counts of trafficking bald and golden eagles, and one count of conspiracy.” (link in original).
The paper says the pair bragged about their activities and even sold part of an eagle via PayPal.
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the national symbol of the United States. It was close to extinction late in the 20th century. Enforcement of strict laws has allowed the bird to recover and it is no longer considered threatened. Bald eagle deaths may not be a threat at the moment as the population may be near 300,000. It is found from northern Mexico through most of the United States into Canada. It is primarily a fish eater.
The golden eagle (Aquilia chrysaetos) is worldwide in distribution. They are most often found in the western half of North America from Canada south to Mexico. Both eagles are similar in size. These eagles are about 2.5 feet in body length with a six or seven foot wingspan .Bald eagles mostly eat fish but will eaa mammals. Golden eagles usually eat small mammals including rabbits. squirrels and prairie dogs. Due in part to their worldwide distribution golden eagles are not considered endangered.