Two Men Illegally Killed Thousands of Eagles Over Six Years to Sell Parts on Black Market
-
Two men killed about 3,600 birds, including bald and golden eagles, to sell parts illegally on the black market.
-
They worked with others to hunt and kill the birds, using tactics like baiting them with a dead deer carcass.
-
The men sold feathers, tails, wings and other parts for significant cash on the black market across the U.S.
-
The killings occurred over 6 years on tribal lands in Montana with high concentrations of eagles and raptors.
-
There is a backlog of permits for obtaining eagle parts legally, which may drive demand for the illegal black market.