A man from Washington, who is accused of murdering over 3,600 protected species, including bald eagles and selling them on the black market, has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Travis John Branson of Cusick has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors, admitting to unlawfully trafficking bald and golden eagles, conspiring and violating the Lacey Act.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/trending/national-birds-day-2024-history-theme-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-676620" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/trending/national-birds-day-2024-history-theme-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-676620&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH2LvZjM6EAxX0S2cHHct2BgEQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0T62S428vPWo7a0_Dx9uVL" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/national-birds-day-2024-history-theme-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-676620" target="_blank">National&nbsp;Birds&nbsp;Day 2024: History, theme, significance</a>

As part of the agreement, the 48-year-old will plead guilty to specific charges and in return, prosecutors will drop 10 counts of unlawful trafficking.

Another individual charged in the case, Simon Paul of St. Ignatius, Montana, remains at large as of Tuesday (Feb 27), with an arrest warrant issued in January.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/7-of-earths-rarest-birds-1700208922093" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/7-of-earths-rarest-birds-1700208922093&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH2LvZjM6EAxX0S2cHHct2BgEQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0lZlGFkRlBZqxPyl1h_btY" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/7-of-earths-rarest-birds-1700208922093" target="_blank">7 of Earth's Rarest&nbsp;Birds</a>

The hunters allegedly shot the birds illegally on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere, violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Branson and Paul are accused of using a dead deer to bait eagles for illegal hunting. Branson, if convicted on all charges, could face up to 13 years in prison, pending court approval of the proposed agreement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/long-distance-relationships-and-promiscuous-males-leading-cause-behind-bird-divorces-study-612379" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/long-distance-relationships-and-promiscuous-males-leading-cause-behind-bird-divorces-study-612379&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH2LvZjM6EAxX0S2cHHct2BgEQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WM3H6m7f9OuvjwmzMzunP" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/long-distance-relationships-and-promiscuous-males-leading-cause-behind-bird-divorces-study-612379" target="_blank">Explained:&nbsp;Bird&nbsp;divorces are on the rise</a>

A recent study by the US Geological Survey highlights the illegal shooting of golden eagles as a significant cause of their deaths, driven by the black market demand for eagle parts.

Of particular value are feathers from immature golden eagles, which are revered among tribes, according to reporting from the AP. A tail set from a golden eagle can fetch several hundred dollars, according to details in another trafficking case last year, AP reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man from Washington, who is accused of murdering over 3,600 protected species, including bald eagles and selling them on the black market, has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.

A man from Washington, who is accused of murdering over 3,600 protected species, including bald eagles and selling them on the black market, has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. Travis John Branson of Cusick has entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors, admitting to unlawfully trafficking bald and golden eagles, conspiring and violating the Lacey Act. Also read: National Birds Day 2024: History, theme, significance As part of the agreement, the 48-year-old will plead guilty to specific charges and in return, prosecutors will drop 10 counts of unlawful trafficking. Another individual charged in the case, Simon Paul of St. Ignatius, Montana, remains at large as of Tuesday (Feb 27), with an arrest warrant issued in January. Also read: 7 of Earth's Rarest Birds The hunters allegedly shot the birds illegally on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere, violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Branson and Paul are accused of using a dead deer to bait eagles for illegal hunting. Branson, if convicted on all charges, could face up to 13 years in prison, pending court approval of the proposed agreement. Also read: Explained: Bird divorces are on the rise A recent study by the US Geological Survey highlights the illegal shooting of golden eagles as a significant cause of their deaths, driven by the black market demand for eagle parts. Of particular value are feathers from immature golden eagles, which are revered among tribes, according to reporting from the AP. A tail set from a golden eagle can fetch several hundred dollars, according to details in another trafficking case last year, AP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington man to plead guilty in ‘killing spree’ of 3,600 eagles and birds

With millions of chickens on commercial poultry farms sickened and dying from a highly virulent strain of bird flu in recent months, it might have escaped notice that some of the nation’s most stunning wild birds have also been felled by the virus.

The virus has taken an unusual toll on raptors or birds of prey, including more than three dozen bald eagles. Because the spring is nesting season, some experts are worried that bird flu may pose a serious threat to the birds’ potential offspring.

In Minneapolis, a beloved family of great horned owls living by Lake Nokomis died of bird flu. In Florida, black vultures have been infected. And in Georgia, three infected bald eagles were found dead in coastal counties.

The H5N1 strain of the highly pathogenic bird influenza virus, which is widespread in Europe, was first reported in North America in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador in December 2021. By mid-January, the virus had infected an American wigeon and blue-winged teal in South Carolina, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Waterfowl, which are natural hosts of bird flu, have been hit especially hard. The 763 reported wild bird infections, according to the USDA, include snow geese in North and South Dakota, northern shovelers in North Carolina, brown pelicans in Florida, mallards in Minnesota and several unidentified ducks in Ohio.

Bald eagles hunt living prey and scavenge carcasses, which offer a possible route of transmission for the virus. “If the waterfowl are dying, then eagles can pick it up from eating those dead waterfowl,” said Krysten Schuler, co-director of the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab.

The USDA has reported 41 dead bald eagles infected with the virus since February, a number that does not include two more bald eagles that Schuler confirmed were infected in New York in late March, she said. This month, bald eagles have been infected in Ohio, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine and North Dakota.

Bald eagles have long been considered a conservation success story. Populations were driven nearly to extinction by the synthetic insecticide DDT: In 1963, there were only 417 known nesting pairs. But decades of conservation efforts, along with a 1972 ban of DDT, allowed the species to recover and eventually be removed from Endangered Species Act protection in 2007.

Despite this rebound, many bald eagles suffer from chronic lead poisoning. As the birds scavenge on hunted carcasses, they can ingest lead from ammunition, according to a paper published this year in the journal Science. This widespread, long-term exposure stressed the resilience of bald eagle populations, according to a study published this year by Schuler and colleagues in The Journal of Wildlife Management.

New threats to the species, such as wind turbines or a bird flu strain, could threaten its long-term success. “The resilience of these animals was very close to the edge,” Schuler said. “If a few more breeding adults died, that could actually have a pretty big impact on the future growth of these populations.”

It is not yet clear how this bird flu will affect the species’ recovery. “I’m concerned it will be endemic, and there’s already been reports of some recombination, which means there’s this new strain mixing with some of the North American versions we have and creating new viruses,” Schuler said. “We always worry about those.”

But it appears the virus will harm nesting success — the ability of a nest to produce at least one young bird capable of flight — among certain populations this year, according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Aerial surveys of nesting bald eagles in six coastal counties in Georgia have revealed nest success was down 30% this year, according to the statement.

Some wild birds infected with bird flu can show no symptoms, but infection can also lead to neurological problems, which can make it difficult for a bird to fly or right itself. At Back to the Wild, a rehabilitation center in Ohio, bald eagles believed to have bird flu appear unsteady on their feet and are unable to fly; some have even had seizures.

“All are admitted with the same symptoms and pass away within hours of admission,” said Heather Tuttle, director of education at the center, adding that the rate of admission has started to slow down. Of the dozen brought into the center, none have survived. There is no effective treatment.

Bird flu poses little threat to people, and no cases of H5N1 bird flu infection have been reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People should avoid direct contact with wild birds and their feces, and hunters should avoid harvesting or handling wild birds that are sick or found dead. Hunters should also wash their hands with soap and water after touching game birds and cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some experts have advised people to take down bird feeders to reduce the spread of H5N1 in wild birds. But Schuler has not seen many birds that use feeders, such as songbirds, infected with the virus. “So it doesn’t seem like that is a major source of potential transmission,” she said.

But bird feeders can still spread other pathogens and parasites, such as the bacteria that cause house finch eye disease, so it is still important to keep them clean.

Instead, Schuler suggests maintaining vigilance about the spread of bird flu and reporting any unusual mortalities or birds that appear to have neurological issues. “The better data we have on what’s actually happening, the more we can figure it out,” she said.

With millions of chickens on commercial poultry farms sickened and dying from a highly virulent strain of bird flu in recent months, it might have escaped notice that some of the nation’s most stunning wild birds have also been felled by the virus.

With millions of chickens on commercial poultry farms sickened and dying from a highly virulent strain of bird flu in recent months, it might have escaped notice that some of the nation’s most stunning wild birds have also been felled by the virus. The virus has taken an unusual toll on raptors or birds of prey, including more than three dozen bald eagles. Because the spring is nesting season, some experts are worried that bird flu may pose a serious threat to the birds’ potential offspring. In Minneapolis, a beloved family of great horned owls living by Lake Nokomis died of bird flu. In Florida, black vultures have been infected. And in Georgia, three infected bald eagles were found dead in coastal counties. The H5N1 strain of the highly pathogenic bird influenza virus, which is widespread in Europe, was first reported in North America in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador in December 2021. By mid-January, the virus had infected an American wigeon and blue-winged teal in South Carolina, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Waterfowl, which are natural hosts of bird flu, have been hit especially hard. The 763 reported wild bird infections, according to the USDA, include snow geese in North and South Dakota, northern shovelers in North Carolina, brown pelicans in Florida, mallards in Minnesota and several unidentified ducks in Ohio. Bald eagles hunt living prey and scavenge carcasses, which offer a possible route of transmission for the virus. “If the waterfowl are dying, then eagles can pick it up from eating those dead waterfowl,” said Krysten Schuler, co-director of the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab. The USDA has reported 41 dead bald eagles infected with the virus since February, a number that does not include two more bald eagles that Schuler confirmed were infected in New York in late March, she said. This month, bald eagles have been infected in Ohio, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine and North Dakota. Bald eagles have long been considered a conservation success story. Populations were driven nearly to extinction by the synthetic insecticide DDT: In 1963, there were only 417 known nesting pairs. But decades of conservation efforts, along with a 1972 ban of DDT, allowed the species to recover and eventually be removed from Endangered Species Act protection in 2007. Despite this rebound, many bald eagles suffer from chronic lead poisoning. As the birds scavenge on hunted carcasses, they can ingest lead from ammunition, according to a paper published this year in the journal Science. This widespread, long-term exposure stressed the resilience of bald eagle populations, according to a study published this year by Schuler and colleagues in The Journal of Wildlife Management. New threats to the species, such as wind turbines or a bird flu strain, could threaten its long-term success. “The resilience of these animals was very close to the edge,” Schuler said. “If a few more breeding adults died, that could actually have a pretty big impact on the future growth of these populations.” It is not yet clear how this bird flu will affect the species’ recovery. “I’m concerned it will be endemic, and there’s already been reports of some recombination, which means there’s this new strain mixing with some of the North American versions we have and creating new viruses,” Schuler said. “We always worry about those.” But it appears the virus will harm nesting success — the ability of a nest to produce at least one young bird capable of flight — among certain populations this year, according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Aerial surveys of nesting bald eagles in six coastal counties in Georgia have revealed nest success was down 30% this year, according to the statement. Some wild birds infected with bird flu can show no symptoms, but infection can also lead to neurological problems, which can make it difficult for a bird to fly or right itself. At Back to the Wild, a rehabilitation center in Ohio, bald eagles believed to have bird flu appear unsteady on their feet and are unable to fly; some have even had seizures. “All are admitted with the same symptoms and pass away within hours of admission,” said Heather Tuttle, director of education at the center, adding that the rate of admission has started to slow down. Of the dozen brought into the center, none have survived. There is no effective treatment. Bird flu poses little threat to people, and no cases of H5N1 bird flu infection have been reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People should avoid direct contact with wild birds and their feces, and hunters should avoid harvesting or handling wild birds that are sick or found dead. Hunters should also wash their hands with soap and water after touching game birds and cook meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Some experts have advised people to take down bird feeders to reduce the spread of H5N1 in wild birds. But Schuler has not seen many birds that use feeders, such as songbirds, infected with the virus. “So it doesn’t seem like that is a major source of potential transmission,” she said. But bird feeders can still spread other pathogens and parasites, such as the bacteria that cause house finch eye disease, so it is still important to keep them clean. Instead, Schuler suggests maintaining vigilance about the spread of bird flu and reporting any unusual mortalities or birds that appear to have neurological issues. “The better data we have on what’s actually happening, the more we can figure it out,” she said.

Dozens of Bald Eagles have died from Bird Flu

&nbsp;

The national symbol of the US, bald eagle, has been in dire straits nowadays. The population of the bird has been facing slump due to the lead poisoning, said a new study. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The research carried out by the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell University found the population growth of bald eagle has decreased by 4-6%. The observation was based on data gathered between 1990 and 2018.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-professor-wears-fishbowl-helmet-abuses-students-online-444920" hreflang="en">Watch:&nbsp;US professor wears&nbsp;fishbowl helmet,&nbsp;abuses students online</a>

“We’re putting eagles out there as a poster species for this issue, but they’re not the only ones being impacted,” Krysten Schuler, research professor, Cornell, said. &nbsp;

This study also estimated that the rate of growth for bald eagles have been decreased by 4.2% for females and 6.3% for males. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-school-tells-teachers-to-hide-students-transgender-or-non-binary-identity-from-parents-says-report-444895" hreflang="en">US school tells teachers to hide student's transgender or non-binary identity from parents, says report &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

These experts examined the populations of the bird in seven Northeast states of the country. They found that some have been affected by hunters as they leave behind contaminated organs after field dressing an animal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It affects bald eagles and other animals as when they later feed on the carcass of these animals, they many a time consume lead fragments, which have been left behind in the meat by the hunters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The national symbol of the US, bald eagle, has been in dire straits nowadays. The population of the bird has been facing slump due to the lead poisoning, said a new study.

The national symbol of the US, bald eagle, has been in dire straits nowadays. The population of the bird has been facing slump due to the lead poisoning, said a new study. The research carried out by the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell University found the population growth of bald eagle has decreased by 4-6%. The observation was based on data gathered between 1990 and 2018. Also Read | Watch: US professor wears fishbowl helmet, abuses students online “We’re putting eagles out there as a poster species for this issue, but they’re not the only ones being impacted,” Krysten Schuler, research professor, Cornell, said. This study also estimated that the rate of growth for bald eagles have been decreased by 4.2% for females and 6.3% for males. Also Read: US school tells teachers to hide student's transgender or non-binary identity from parents, says report These experts examined the populations of the bird in seven Northeast states of the country. They found that some have been affected by hunters as they leave behind contaminated organs after field dressing an animal. It affects bald eagles and other animals as when they later feed on the carcass of these animals, they many a time consume lead fragments, which have been left behind in the meat by the hunters. (With inputs from agencies)

US national symbol bald eagle’s population takes a hit, all thanks to lead poisoning

Dutch police is all set to become the world&#39;s first police force to train and employ eagles in order to combat rogue drones.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a low-tech solution to a hi-tech problem,&quot; police spokesman Dennis Janus said referring to the modern-day problem of increasing number of drones in the skies.&nbsp; 
 
After months of practice, on Monday, Hunter, a two-old-female bald eagle&nbsp;was sent out along with her trainer to test her abilities, AFP news agency reported.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Eagles away! Dutch police unveil latest recruits against drones <a href="https://t.co/g9ZaYsKWlO">https://t.co/g9ZaYsKWlO</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zh6O2Gbvxt">pic.twitter.com/Zh6O2Gbvxt</a>
&mdash; AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/775435284032921600">September 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
 
The police created a fake setting of a visiting State-head, played by a woman officer, who emerges out of the car and is immediately confronted by a drone. 
 
&quot;Attack, attack,&quot; came the cry, while sirens began wailing and Hunter reported for duty. She grabbed the drone with her powerful talons and landed safely a few meters away. 
 
The move comes in after rogue drones started combating sensitive areas, such as airports. The trail was started in 2015.&nbsp; 
 
Police head of operations, Michel Baeten told AFP: &quot;We found out that it is probably one of the most effective counter-measures against hostile drones.&quot; 
 
&ldquo;None of the eagles were hurt, but as for the drones, none of them survived,&rdquo;&nbsp; Janus said insisting that positive reformation was used to train the eagles, pieces of chicken or turkey were attached to the drones, attuning the eagle that catching the prey would lead to a reward. 
 
&quot;However, during Monday&#39;s demo, Hunter missed the drone several times,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
About 100 police officers will be trained in working with the eagles, and the Dutch &quot;flying squad&quot; with its own birds of prey could go into action from next summer.&nbsp;In the meantime, the police will be using birds supplied by a specialist company, Guard From Above. 
 
&quot;It is a bird, it is an animal, it is not a robot. It is not a flawless solution,&quot; Baeten stresses.&nbsp; 
 
The Dutch police are working on developing a protective glove to cover the birds&#39; talons&nbsp;so that their feet do not get cut while hunting larger objects.&nbsp; 
 
They are also continuing to explore other methods to combat drones such as using nets carried by another drone, or deploying electronic counter-measures against the hostile craft. 
 
Amid the publicity, police forces from other countries like Germany and France have also been in contact to find out more about the eagle force. 
 
&quot;A lot of law enforcement agencies are really interested in our programme. I think other countries will follow,&quot; said Baeten. 
 
The plan is now to launch the eagles whenever drones are believed to be posing a danger to the public, such as during sensitive state visits or if the remote-controlled tiny craft are flying too close to airports. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP) 
.

This move came in after drones started invading sensitive areas, like airports. The trail was started in 2015

Dutch police is all set to become the world's first police force to train and employ eagles in order to combat rogue drones. "It's a low-tech solution to a hi-tech problem," police spokesman Dennis Janus said referring to the modern-day problem of increasing number of drones in the skies. After months of practice, on Monday, Hunter, a two-old-female bald eagle was sent out along with her trainer to test her abilities, AFP news agency reported. Eagles away! Dutch police unveil latest recruits against drones https://t.co/g9ZaYsKWlO pic.twitter.com/Zh6O2Gbvxt — AFP news agency (@AFP) September 12, 2016 The police created a fake setting of a visiting State-head, played by a woman officer, who emerges out of the car and is immediately confronted by a drone. "Attack, attack," came the cry, while sirens began wailing and Hunter reported for duty. She grabbed the drone with her powerful talons and landed safely a few meters away. The move comes in after rogue drones started combating sensitive areas, such as airports. The trail was started in 2015. Police head of operations, Michel Baeten told AFP: "We found out that it is probably one of the most effective counter-measures against hostile drones." “None of the eagles were hurt, but as for the drones, none of them survived,” Janus said insisting that positive reformation was used to train the eagles, pieces of chicken or turkey were attached to the drones, attuning the eagle that catching the prey would lead to a reward. "However, during Monday's demo, Hunter missed the drone several times," he added. About 100 police officers will be trained in working with the eagles, and the Dutch "flying squad" with its own birds of prey could go into action from next summer. In the meantime, the police will be using birds supplied by a specialist company, Guard From Above. "It is a bird, it is an animal, it is not a robot. It is not a flawless solution," Baeten stresses. The Dutch police are working on developing a protective glove to cover the birds' talons so that their feet do not get cut while hunting larger objects. They are also continuing to explore other methods to combat drones such as using nets carried by another drone, or deploying electronic counter-measures against the hostile craft. Amid the publicity, police forces from other countries like Germany and France have also been in contact to find out more about the eagle force. "A lot of law enforcement agencies are really interested in our programme. I think other countries will follow," said Baeten. The plan is now to launch the eagles whenever drones are believed to be posing a danger to the public, such as during sensitive state visits or if the remote-controlled tiny craft are flying too close to airports. (WION with inputs from AFP) .

In a first, Dutch police to employ eagles to combat drones

bald-eagles

Bald Eagles, News on Bald Eagles, stories on Bald Eagles, articles on Bald Eagles, Bald Eagles stories at Wion, Bald Eagles news, Bald Eagles latest news