Eagle poaching charges land four men in jail
Four men have been arrested on charges of killing bald and golden eagles and selling their body parts and feathers.
The arrests were made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after an undercover investigation, during which agents were sold tails, wings and feathers.
"It is alarming that eagles, sacred to many, could be at risk because of the illegal greed-driven actions of relatively few individuals," Paul Chang, law enforcement special agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific region, said in a news release. "The illegal actions of a few selfish individuals have the potential to hurt the interests of the majority of people who respect the resource."
Selling eagle parts is prohibited by federal law. Some Native American tribes are permitted to possess eagle parts, which are viewed as sacred and central to spiritual and religious customs.
Those arrested are charged with allegedly violating three federal protection acts. Each man faces penalties of at least a year's imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for each offense.
-- Kelly Burgess
Photo: A bald eagle stretches its wings before taking flight. Credit: James Quigg / Associated Press
