The deliberate killing of 118 eagles by a wildlife trafficking ring underscores the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts and law enforcement.
At a Glance
- Travis John Branson accused of killing eagles to sell parts on the black market.
- Trafficking ring operated in western U.S., including Montana.
- Branson faces sentencing on Sept. 18.
- Prosecutors seeking imprisonment and $777,250 in restitution.
Exposure of Wildlife Trafficking Ring
Travis John Branson allegedly played a key role in a wildlife trafficking ring responsible for the deaths of at least 118 eagles. Prosecutors claim Branson profited between $180,000 and $360,000 from selling eagle parts illegally from 2009 to 2021. The trafficking network spanned the western United States, including the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. Branson pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wildlife trafficking, and two counts of trafficking federally protected eagles.
According to court filings, “Branson did not just kill the eagles; he hacked them into pieces to sell for future profits.” Prosecutors are pursuing severe penalties, including significant prison time and restitution of $777,250. Branson’s attorney disputes the number of birds killed, alleging the prosecution’s figures are overstated.
A man helped kill at least 118 eagles to sell their feathers and body parts on the black market as part of a long-running wildlife trafficking ring in the western U.S. that authorities allege killed thousands of birds, court filings show. https://t.co/srpd22NZwK
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 5, 2024
Escalated to Federal Attention
The case has highlighted the broader issue of wildlife trafficking, which jeopardizes species and ecosystems. Eagle parts are highly prized among Native Americans for ceremonial purposes, escalating demand. Branson’s co-defendant, Simon Paul, who remains at large, originally estimated up to 3,600 birds were killed but later lowered that number to 1,000. Prosecutors documented the killings through Branson’s text messages, though not all records were retrieved.
“It was not uncommon for Branson to take upwards of nine eagles at a time,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana. “Not only did Branson kill eagles, but he hacked them into pieces to sell for future profits.”
Branson will be sentenced in federal court on September 18. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the most serious charge, conspiracy. Federal guidelines suggest a sentence of approximately three to four years.
A man helped kill at least 118 eagles to sell their feathers and body parts on the black market as part of a long-running wildlife trafficking ring in the western U.S. that authorities allege killed thousands of birds, court filings show. https://t.co/srpd22NZwK
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 5, 2024
US law strictly prohibits the killing, wounding, or disturbing of eagles without a permit. Federally recognized tribes can obtain eagle parts legally through the National Eagle Repository. However, the high value of eagle parts on the black market encourages illegal activities.
“It is notable that Mr. Paul himself went from a 3,600 to 1,000 bird estimate,” wrote Federal Defender Andrew Nelson in a recent filing, highlighting the complexity and scope of the illegal operation.
The exposure of this trafficking ring underscores the critical need for rigorous enforcement of conservation laws, increased public awareness, and enhanced international cooperation to combat wildlife crime. Illegal shootings continue to be a leading cause of golden eagle deaths, emphasizing the necessity of efforts to protect these majestic birds and preserve biodiversity.
Sources
1. Wildlife trafficking ring killed at least 118 eagles, prosecutors say
