A bald eagle was shot and killed in Arkansas. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) found the nation’s bird dead near the Tennessee Spur Road, whereafter it was transferred to Little Rock Zoo.
April 5, 2019
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are conducting a joint investigation into the death of a mature bald eagle found in Drew County March 28.https://t.co/Bt3uWRPm0S pic.twitter.com/P8whKc4Kmv— AR Game and Fish (@ARGameandFish) April 5, 2019
Wildlife Service reported that the female bird is believed to have been tending a nest when she was shot. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has partnered with the Wildlife Service for the investigation, offering a reward of up to $6,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for killing the nation’s symbol.
The press release contained no information about possible suspects. While bald eagles are no longer on the endangered species list, poachers still illegally kill and despoil the bird of its iconic features; and the turbines on wind farms make for deadly obstacles, enormous blades colliding with birds in flight.
USFS estimates 40,000 golden eagles remaining in US. In 2004 study, Dr. Smallwood found average of 116 golden eagles killed yearly by Altamont Pass wind turbines in CA. Multiply 116 x 37 years (opened in 1981) & the number of fatalities are staggering. https://t.co/Ap7lZAhEv2 pic.twitter.com/eIgCRuPzVN
— Dr. Donald Allen Deever (@dondeever) July 26, 2018
Poaching for the Best Feathers
Fifteen people were indicted for illegal trafficking in eagles and migratory birds in April 2017, states a report by the Department of Justice. One of the indicted, 54-year-old Troy Fairbanks, or the self-proclaimed “best feather man in the Midwest,” sold eagle parts to undercover Fish and Wildlife Service agents posing as crafts and antique collectors, reported National Geographic.
On Feb. 3, 2016, an agent was invited to Fairbanks’s home. Fairbanks’s latest items for purchase: eagle wings, severed eagle heads on wooden sticks, an eagle foot, and more, according to the court document. The interaction between agent and Fairbanks was recorded.
Under the Lacey Act, it is a federal offense “to take, possess, transport, sell, import, or export [bale eagle] nests, eggs, and parts that are taken in violation of any state, tribal or U.S. law,” states the Fish and Wildlife Service. Violation of the act may result in a $250,000 fine for felony convictions.
Did you know that 236 years ago the American Eagle was added to the official Seal of the United States? Today we commemorate the anniversary of the Bald Eagle’s selection as our National Symbol. #AmericanEagleDay pic.twitter.com/zdVl6TkmQW
— Williamson County Sheriff Chody (@SheriffChody) June 20, 2018
The investigation leading to the indictment of 15 charged for illegal trafficking of eagles and migratory birds was called Project Dakota Flyer. In 2018, a list of the convicted was released, but Fairbanks was not listed.
“The investigation has demonstrated the breadth of the illegal black market for eagle and other migratory bird parts,” said United States Attorney Ron Parsons, quoted in the Department of Justice press release. “It is our goal to completely eliminate the unauthorized killing and selling of bald eagles, golden eagles, and other protected species.”
Energy Efficiency Kills Protected Bird
The Wildlife Society Bulletin found that an estimated 573,000 birds are killed annually in the United States. According to a report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the wind turbines in Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area in California are estimated to kill between 1,870 and 4,310 birds annually.
Between 28 to 34 golden eagles are killed annually in the area. The bald eagle and golden eagle are protected under the same American protection act.
“Alternative energy is not ‘green’ if it is killing hundreds or thousands or millions of birds annually,” said Dr. Michael Hutchins, now deceased and former national coordinator of the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird Smart Wind Energy Campaign, according to The Eagle Foundation. “Our wildlife should not be collateral damage in our effort to combat climate change, nor does it have to be. Improved regulation and science leading to proper siting, effective mitigation, and compensation would go a long way to address this conflict.
WAZA shares the shock and sadness felt throughout the global zoo and aquarium community following the unexpected death of Dr. Michael Hutchins this week while on safari in Tanzania. Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Hutchins’ family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ubke9xT0T9
— World Association Zoos & Aquariums (@waza) January 17, 2018
