I wes reading aboiut a man who possessed the feathers of Golden Eagles, and other such feathers and he got arrested. So why is possessing the feather of an endangered species illegal? What harm will possissing this feather do?
2006-11-17 13:19:11 · 9 answers · asked by Jimmi H 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
At the turn of the 20th century the fashion was to wear hats with extravagent feathers. These hats fetched huge prices for the times. Hunters hunted some of our native birds to the brink of extinction. The National Audubon Society was formed at this time to help protect these birds. As a result of their work the Migratory Bird Act was passed, which has been very successful in restoring bird populations. This law makes it illegal to possess any native migratory bird, dead or alive, feathers, eggs or nests. There are exceptions for birds that it is legal to hunt or introduced species like House Sparrows, European Starlings and feral Pigeons.
It may seem a bit over protective, but it has worked very well. Birds like the Great Egret, the symbol of the National Audubon Society, have come back in good numbers. Not being able to possess a feather or nest is a small price to pay. It is possible to get a federal permit to own these things, but you have to have a valid reason.
2006-11-18 00:29:37 · answer #1 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Possession is illegal because of the black market trade of these feather. This man slaughtered a good no. of these endangered birds just to get the feathers. I hope he doesn't get the chance to do this again. The no.s. of these birds in the wide are dwindling. If they are not protected their species will be wiped off the face of this earth. They are such beautiful & majestic creatures that would be a terrible lost for all of us. They are also sacred birds to the aboriginal people.
2006-11-17 13:27:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon your local laws,... you can actually own feathers, under certain conditions, in Ontario if a Native American gives you one, you can keep it, if you have a collection though, you need to get approved for it. But keep in mind, there are few ways to discourage people to shoot such a beautiful animal, so if you make it illegal to own the feathers, you might be able to discourage some people. I have 1 eagle feather, from a bald eagle, when I worked in wildlife rehab,... I love it, but I wouldn't want to have too many, the bird I got my feather from had a broken wing, it healed, we released him, he flew away! It was beautiful. I wouldn't want one that I bought though, it would have less meaning, and there are so many other better decorations!
2006-11-17 13:56:40 · answer #3 · answered by Wildbane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is illegal to possess bird feathers of ANY bird species. ALL birds are protected by law. The reason it is illegal to have feathers is because no one could know for sure HOW those feathers were obtained. Was the bird harassed or killed for them? Sure, many people pick them up off the ground, but who can PROVE that.
2006-11-17 13:56:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is assumed you killed it. If you didn't kill it you should have reported it. The only people allowed to possess the feathers or bones of an Eagle or other endangered species of bird are the Native Americans and they have to go through all kinds of bureaucratic red tape to get them. They use them in their tribal rituals.
2006-11-17 13:30:04 · answer #5 · answered by Lelani 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The bird doesn't pull those feathers out of his butt and give them to you. You have to kill the bird to get the feathers.
2006-11-17 13:23:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The idea is that if you have a feather you have either disturbed the natural habit or harmed/killed the bird.
2006-11-17 13:27:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because he can't prove he didn't kill the bird to get the feathers.
2006-11-17 13:44:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
birds of the fever stick togwether.
2006-11-17 13:22:08 · answer #9 · answered by ihateacaf 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋