An individual from Washington state is set to plead guilty to charges related to the illegal killing of thousands of birds, including eagles, on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. The accused allegedly engaged in the shooting of eagles and selling their feathers and body parts on the black market.
The case sheds light on the persistent issue of illegal eagle feather trade, despite previous law enforcement efforts to curb such activities in the 2010s. The indictment revealed that the defendant, along with another individual, was involved in the killing of approximately 3,600 birds, including eagles, on the reservation and possibly in other locations.
The accused was found to have sold golden eagle tail feathers, highly valued by many Native American tribes, to an undisclosed buyer for $650. Subsequently, law enforcement discovered eagle body parts in the defendant's vehicle during a stop on the reservation, leading to further investigations.
Court documents indicated that the accused had engaged in trafficking bald and golden eagles, with evidence of multiple instances of illegal activity dating back to 2015. The case also highlighted the involvement of other individuals in the conspiracy, although their identities have not been disclosed.
Feathers and parts of eagles are prohibited from sale but are commonly used in Native American ceremonies and powwows. The accused faces charges of conspiracy, wildlife trafficking, and trafficking in federally protected eagles, with a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a hefty fine.
The case comes after a previous federal investigation, dubbed 'Operation Dakota Flyer,' which resulted in charges against numerous individuals involved in trafficking protected birds. The demand for eagle parts has led to a thriving black market, despite legal avenues for federally recognized tribes to obtain eagle parts for religious purposes.
