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.
Similar protections apply to other bird species.
The Eagle Protection Act and Endangered Species Act provide for civil and criminal penalties. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act provides for civil penalties.