Raising a bald eagle is illegal for private citizens in the United States. However, there are some exceptions that allow certain facilities to raise bald eagles under special permits. Bald eagles are protected under multiple federal laws that aim to conserve the species after significant population declines in the 1900s.
Is it legal to raise a bald eagle?
No, it is illegal for private citizens to raise, own, or sell bald eagles in the United States under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Only trained, licensed facilities like zoos, wildlife rehabilitators, and Native American religious entities can acquire permits to raise bald eagles in captivity.
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act makes it illegal to disturb, wound, molest, or kill bald eagles without a permit. This includes removing eagles or eggs from the wild to raise as pets or for falconry. The law carries civil and criminal penalties for violations including fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is an older wildlife protection law that was expanded in 1972 to cover bald eagles and other birds of prey. The law implements treaties between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia to protect shared migratory bird populations. It prohibits private ownership of migratory birds without a permit.
Exceptions for Eagle Exhibition Permits
The only way for private citizens to legally acquire and raise bald eagles is to apply for an eagle exhibition permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These permits are only granted to facilities involved in public education like zoos, wildlife rehabilitators working with injured eagles, and Native American tribes using eagles for religious practices. Permitted facilities must meet standards for proper care, housing, public safety precautions, record keeping, and other responsibilities.
Why is it illegal to raise bald eagles?
There are several reasons why private ownership and raising of bald eagles is banned in the U.S.:
- Protect eagle populations – Removing eagles from the wild can hurt local breeding populations and survival rates.
- Public safety – Eagles can be dangerous birds of prey requiring expertise to handle safely.
- Symbol of freedom – As America’s national emblem, bald eagles have special public importance and cultural symbolism.
- Prevent falconry – Banning private ownership helps prevent eagles from being used for falconry, a controversial practice.
- Difficult care – Proper care of eagles is challenging for average owners.
- Black market trade – Banning ownership reduces incentives to illegally take eagles from the wild for profit.
What are the penalties for illegally raising bald eagles?
There are stiff civil and criminal penalties for illegally taking, possessing, or raising bald eagles without a permit:
Violation | Penalties |
---|---|
Unlawful taking, possessing, selling bald eagles | Up to 1 year imprisonment and $100,000 fine for individuals, $200,000 for organizations. |
Second violation of taking, possessing, selling | Up to 2 years imprisonment |
Civil penalties | Up to $5,000 for each violation |
Unauthorized scientific collecting | Up to $10,000 civil fine |
State or tribal penalties may also apply. The most severe criminal penalties apply to offenses that involve actually capturing wild eagles or eggs. Penalties may be less severe for possession of injured eagles or Eagle Parts obtained illegally.
What are some examples of illegal bald eagle cases?
Here are a few examples of people who were prosecuted for bald eagle violations:
- An Illinois man was fined $100,000 in 2005 for selling bald eagle carcasses online.
- A Wyoming man captured four eaglets from nests to train for falconry and was sentenced to 6 months home detention and fined $25,000 in 2018.
- An Iowa man illegally shot and killed a bald eagle and was fined $10,000 in 2017.
- A Minnesota man was fined $22,500 for possessing bald eagle feathers.
- Two California men were jailed for trapping and brutally killing multiple eagles for taxidermy profits in the 1980s before the stiffer penalties were in place.
These examples show how seriously unlawful takings and possession of bald eagles are treated under federal law. Many violations lead to stiff fines even for a single eagle, but large-scale cases or those involving killing or abusing eagles can carry prison time.
Can you obtain a permit to raise bald eagles?
It is possible but extremely difficult for private citizens to legally obtain permission to raise bald eagles. Here is the permitting process:
- Eagle Exhibition Permit – Apply for an Eagle Exhibition Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service demonstrating a legitimate conservation education purpose and proper qualifications and facilities to house and care for eagles.
- Inspection – If approved, USFWS will inspect the proposed eagle housing facilities.
- Permit review – USFWS regional Migratory Bird Permit Office makes final determination on issuing permit.
- Renewal – Permits must be renewed every 3 years.
In reality, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service almost never grants Eagle Exhibition Permits to private individuals. Most permits are issued to zoos, wildlife rehabilitators, and Native American tribes. YOU must demonstrate a compelling need for an eagle for educational purposes and have advanced training in raptor handling and care.
Are there any states where you can raise bald eagles?
No, bald eagles are protected under federal law so there are no states where private citizens can legally raise or own bald eagles without a federal permit. Additionally, all U.S. states have passed their own laws prohibiting private possession of bald eagles or their parts:
State | State Law on Eagle Possession |
---|---|
Alabama | Illegal – up to $500 fine. |
Alaska | Illegal – up to $10,000 fine and 1 year in prison. |
Arizona | Illegal – Class 6 felony. |
Arkansas | Illegal – Class A misdemeanor. |
The table demonstrates that all U.S. states prohibit possession of bald eagles or their parts without a federal permit. State penalties for violations vary but include fines up to $10,000 and prison time in some states on top of federal penalties.
Can you raise bald eagles in Canada?
It is also illegal for private citizens to possess or raise bald eagles in Canada. Bald eagles are protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act which bans harming, harassing, capturing, or keeping the birds. Penalties under the act include up to $300,000 fines and 5 years imprisonment for major violations. Some exceptions may be made for indigenous tribes using eagles for religious practices.
Conclusion
In summary, it is illegal to raise bald eagles as a private citizen without very specialized permits that are rarely granted. Powerful federal laws in the U.S. and Canada protect bald eagles to support conservation after past declines. There are no states where private eagle possession is allowed. The only legal way for non-specialists to raise bald eagles is to work for licensed facilities like zoos or wildlife rehabilitators that obtain permits for public education. Attempting to raise bald eagles illegally can lead to steep civil fines and criminal prosecution.