That transmission line supplies power to the distribution lines, which provide electricity to the oil wells. The study will be an evolving thing. Dead eagles are shipped to the FWS National Eagle Repository where the agency works with tribes to distribute recovered birds and feathers for ceremonial and religious purposes. Goessman said tribes apply to the agency through a permit process under the federal Eagle Protection Act, and birds are distributed on a first come, first served basis. The waiting list takes about a year, he said.
Eagles are an important part of Indian culture and religion.
The agency distributes eagles that have died from power line electrocutions, vehicle accidents and other mishaps and natural causes. Poisoned birds are not distributed for health reasons, Goessman said. Bald and golden eagles, other raptors and most other bird species are protected under federal laws. Bald eagles, a threatened species, are protected under the Eagle Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, while golden eagles are protected under the Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The federal laws prohibit anyone from essentially taking, hunting, possessing, selling, buying, trading or importing any eagle, dead or alive, nests or eggs without a permit.