Quick Answer
It is generally illegal for private individuals to own, purchase or sell golden eagles in the United States without special permits. Golden eagles are protected under multiple federal laws including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Lacey Act. However, there are some limited exceptions that allow private ownership under special circumstances.
Overview of Laws Protecting Golden Eagles
Golden eagles are protected by the following key federal laws:
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
– Prohibits taking, possessing, selling, purchasing, bartering, offering to sell, purchasing or bartering, transporting, exporting or importing any bald or golden eagle or any part, nest or egg of these birds unless allowed by permit.
– Taking includes pursuing, shooting, shooting at, poisoning, wounding, killing, capturing, trapping, collecting, molesting or disturbing golden eagles.
– Violations can result in fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment for one year for a first offense. Fines can go up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to two years for additional offenses.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
– Prohibits the taking, killing, possession, transportation, and importation of migratory birds, their eggs, parts and nests except when specifically authorized.
– Golden eagles are considered migratory birds under this law.
– Violations can result in fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment up to six months.
Lacey Act
– Prohibits the trade of wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken, possessed, transported or sold.
– Makes it unlawful to import, export, sell, acquire or purchase fish, wildlife or plants taken in violation of U.S. or Indian law.
– Violations can lead to fines up to $250,000 for felonies and up to $10,000 for civil penalties.
Limited Exceptions That Allow Private Ownership
There are some limited exceptions that allow private ownership of golden eagles in certain circumstances:
– Native American Religious Purposes – Native Americans may obtain golden eagle permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for religious practices. These permits are limited to enrolled members of federally-recognized tribes.
– Falconry – In some states, highly experienced falconers may be able obtain state and federal permits to capture wild golden eagles for falconry. However,golden eagles may not be purchased or sold for falconry.
– Educational or Scientific Use – Zoos, museums, universities and other scientific institutions may be granted permits to possess golden eagles for educational or scientific purposes.
– Rehabilitation – Licensed wildlife rehabilitators may temporarily possess injured or orphaned golden eagles with state and federal permits in order to rehabilitate them for release back to the wild.
– Depredation Permits – In limited cases, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can issue permits to allow the trapping or killing of specific golden eagles that are preying on livestock or threatened/endangered species. The golden eagle remains federal property and cannot be kept.
Purchasing Captive-Bred Golden Eagles
Captive-bred golden eagles may be available from private breeders, but purchasing and keeping one would still require obtaining state and federal permits. Additionally:
– The breeder must prove the eagles are in fact captive-bred rather than illegally sourced from the wild. Proper documentation is required.
– Fish and Wildlife approval is required for any transfer or sale.
– The new owner must qualify for and obtain the proper state and federal permits based on the intended purpose (education, falconry, Native American religious use, etc).
– Annual permit renewals are required.
– Housing facilities and care must meet federal standards. Unannounced inspections may occur.
– To retain permits, the owner must comply with all requirements, including filing reports of any transfers, escapes, injuries or deaths.
Purchasing Golden Eagle Parts and Feathers
Again, purchasing and possessing golden eagle parts and feathers such as claws, feathers, or wings is normally prohibited. However, exceptions exist for enrolled Tribal members to obtain eagle feathers from the National Eagle Repository for religious use. Additionally, accredited museums, universities, and other institutions can register to receive donated eagle specimens.
Conclusion
For a private individual, obtaining the required state and federal permits to legally purchase and possess a live golden eagle is extremely difficult, unless you are a registered Native American tribe member seeking the eagle for religious practices. And purchasing golden eagle parts or feathers is also prohibited except for in limited circumstances. While captive-bred golden eagles are available, the permit restrictions still apply. Overall, it remains very challenging for the average person to legally buy a golden eagle due to the strict protections in place for this raptor under federal law. Before attempting to purchase a golden eagle, it is imperative to consult with federal and state wildlife agencies.