A Washington state man will be sentenced soon for his part in killing some 3,600 eagles and other protected birds and selling their feathers and other parts on the black market. The crime reaches a shocking new level of destruction in violation of federal law and respect for the sacred animals. But it highlights the pressure to fulfill demand for feathers and what some people are willing to do to work around established protections. We’ll find out about black market channels for eagle and hawk feathers and talk about what else can be done to protect the endangered birds.
To join the discussion, call 1-800-996-2848
GUESTS
Rich Janssen (Ql̓ispé), Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department head
Terence Mull (Navajo), eagle sanctuary manager at the Navajo Zoo
David Mikesic, Navajo Zoo manager and zoologist
Krysten Schuler, wildlife disease ecologist and director of the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab at Cornell University