In a shocking case of wildlife poaching, two individuals in Montana have been hit with federal charges for their involvement in the hunting and killing of approximately 3,600 birds, including the majestic bald eagles. Travis John Branson and Simon Paul are accused of selling the illegally obtained eagles on the black market, according to court documents filed recently in the U.S. Court for the District of Montana.

Prosecutors have uncovered alarming messages from Branson and others, where they boasted about being "on a killing spree" of eagles to obtain valuable tail feathers for future sales. The accused men are said to have knowingly and willfully engaged in hunting bald and golden eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and other areas between January 2015 and March 2021.

The charges against Branson and Paul include one count of conspiracy, which carries a penalty of five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Additionally, they face charges for unlawfully trafficking bald and golden eagles, as well as violations of the Lacey Act, a conservation law enacted in 1900 that targets the illegal trafficking of wildlife.

If convicted, the defendants could face five years in prison and a $20,000 fine for the Lacey Act charges. For trafficking, they may be sentenced to one year of imprisonment and a $5,000 fine, with penalties escalating to $10,000 and two years for subsequent convictions.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, implemented in 1940, was created to safeguard these iconic birds from harm. The Act prohibits the taking, selling, hunting, or offering for sale of bald and golden eagles or any of their parts. It recognizes the bald eagle as more than just a creature of scientific value, but as a powerful symbol of American ideals and freedom.

Tragically, this case sheds light on a bigger issue - the alarming rate at which protected birds, including bald eagles and other birds of prey, are being shot and killed. A recent study by Boise State University revealed that shootings are one of the leading causes of death for these birds in states such as Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah.

NPR attempted to reach out to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana for further comment, but they declined as the case is still pending. At this time, no attorneys have been identified for Branson and Paul according to online records.

As this disturbing case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our wildlife, particularly those species that hold great significance to our national heritage.