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Poachers Exploiting High Demand for Sacred Eagle Feathers at Powwows


America’s golden eagles are facing a growing threat from a black market trade in their feathers, used in Native American ceremonies and powwows. The government has tried to combat this issue by cracking down on illegal trafficking of dead eagles and distributing feathers and parts legally to tribal members. However, there is a backlog in the legal distribution program, leading to an increase in illegal killings of golden eagles, especially young ones prized for their valuable feathers.

An investigation in Montana recently led to a conviction of a man accused of killing thousands of birds, including golden and bald eagles, and selling their parts. This case sheds light on the extent of the black market for eagle feathers. Other investigations have resulted in charges for wildlife violations related to eagle trafficking.

The demand for eagle feathers remains high in Native American culture, but the legal supply cannot keep up, creating an opportunity for criminal exploitation. The feathers are used in various ceremonies, including powwows, graduation ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, and funerals.

The National Eagle Repository in Colorado provides dead eagles and parts for free to tribal members but struggles to meet the demand for certain parts, such as wings and whole birds. This has led some Native Americans to turn to the black market to obtain eagle feathers. The illegal shootings are a leading cause of eagle deaths, and cases can be resource-intensive and time-consuming to investigate.

Efforts are being made to increase enforcement and crack down on those involved in the illegal trafficking of eagle feathers. Meanwhile, tribal members are left waiting for legal access to these culturally significant items. The issue highlights the complex intersection of culture, conservation, law enforcement, and criminal exploitation.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com

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