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Laws that Protect the Golden Eagle

[/av_textblock] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] Biology | Behavior | Diet | Nests | Demographics | Eaglets | Status
Symbolism | Laws Protecting Eagles | Dangers | AEF & Golden Eagles | Overview
[/av_textblock] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] [/av_textblock] [av_toggle_container initial=’0′ mode=’accordion’ sort=” custom_class=”] [av_toggle title=’Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act’ tags=”] The Golden Eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This law, originally passed in 1940, provides for the protection of the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle (as amended in 1962) by prohibiting the take, possession, sale, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, of any Bald or Golden Eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless allowed by permit Bald Eagle sitting in tree (16 U.S.C. 668(a); 50 CFR 22).

“Take” includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb (16 U.S.C. 668c; 50 CFR 22.3).

The 1972 amendments increased civil penalties for violating provisions of the Act to a maximum fine of $5,000 or one year imprisonment with $10,000 or not more than two years in prison for a second conviction.

Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment. The fine doubles for an organization.

Rewards are provided for information leading to arrest and conviction for violation of the Act.
[/av_toggle] [av_toggle title=’Migratory Bird Treaty Act’ tags=”] The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a Federal law that carries out the United States’ commitment to four international conventions with Canada, Japan, Mexico and Russia. Those conventions protect birds that migrate across international borders.

The “take” (killing) of all migratory birds, including eagles, is governed by the Migratory Birds Treaty Act’s regulations. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits the taking, killing, possession, transportation, and importation of migratory birds, their eggs, parts, and nests except as authorized under a valid permit (50 CFR 21.11). Additionally, the MBTA authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to determine if, and by what means, the take of migratory birds should be allowed and to adopt suitable regulations permitting and governing take (for example, hunting seasons for ducks and geese).

Penalties under the MBTA include a maximum of two years imprisonment and $250,000 fine for a felony conviction and six months imprisonment or $5,000 fine for a misdemenor conviction. Fines double if the violator is an organization rather than an individual.

The MBTA and its implementing regulations provide authority for the conservation of bald eagles and protect against take if the Endangered Species Act protections are removed.

More information about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. (A PDF Download)

Source: U.S Fish & Wildlife Service.
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