The Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act has been around since 1940. As the name suggests, the act is designed to protect populations of bald and golden eagles from humans. The bald eagle is the national emblem and an important part of American identity for many people. Both birds' populations have been harmed by humans, but the act helps keep them from going extinct.
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History
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Bald eagle and golden eagle populations were declining enough in the early 1900s for them to be put on the Endangered Species List. They were dying off for a few different reasons, including deforestation, humans who hunted or captured them and use of the pesticide DDT, which made the birds' egg shells too soft to protect developing baby birds. In 1940 the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted to help combat some of this decline in bird populations.
Function
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According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the general function of the act is to make it illegal for anyone to "take" bald eagles without a special permit. The act of "taking" bald eagles refers to the birds themselves, any part of the birds, the birds' nests and their eggs.
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Specifics
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"Taking" a bald eagle or any of its parts refers to more than just capturing a bald eagle; according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, it also includes shooting, shooting at, poisoning, disturbing in any way, hurting, upsetting the breeding of, killing and trapping bald eagles.
Amendments
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The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act has undergone some amendments since it was enacted in 1940. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a significant amendment was one in 1978 that permits the Secretary of the Interior to allow the taking or removal of eagle nests that are getting in the way of development of resources or recovery operations. According to the Bald Eagle Protection Act, the Secretary of the Interior can permit religious, scientific, zoological and exhibition use of the birds, especially if it somehow protects their populations. Another amendment added in 1994 explains a policy about the use of eagle feathers in the Native American Culture.
Penalty
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The penalty for disobeying the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection act is severe. Individuals can face a fine of up to $100,000, and businesses can get a fine of $200,000. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also says that violators can be sent to prison for up to a year. These penalties are just for a first violation of the law. Individuals or businesses who have a second violation will be punished even more severely than for the first violation.
Effects
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In 2007, bald eagle populations grew enough for them to be removed from the Endangered Species List. This population increase can be attributed to conservation efforts by the American public, The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which also protects bald eagles. Even though they are no longer on the Endangered Species List, they are still protected by both acts.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bald eagle,eagle,bird,animal,fauna,lowrey park,zoo image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
