For Section 7 Section 7
Section 7 Consultation The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.

Learn more about Section 7
Consultation information, please visit the "What We Do" tab.

If you find a dead or injured eagle please contact:


U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Legacy Region 6 Law Enforcement Special Agent Kevin Downs at (701) 355-8531.

You may also contact your local Refuge or Wetland Management District, or your closest North Dakota Game and Fish Department district office or game warden.

Please follow the below directions carefully:

All efforts to report dead bald and golden eagles are greatly appreciated. Monitoring all aspects of these species' life cycle are an important part of ongoing protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.  The following are things to keep in mind when reporting a dead eagle sighting:

  • The expert will direct you in terms of what to do with the carcass feathers or parts
  • Share details including location, circumstances, and contact information
  • You may not keep eagle carcasses, feathers, parts, nests, or eggs
If you find an injured animal

People often have questions about what they should do if they come across an animal they think is injured.  Injuries are common in the wild, and people generally are concerned for the welfare of animals in these instances, and would like to help in any way they can.  However, if you come across an injured animal, the best thing to do is leave it where you found it.  Taking in an injured wild animal can lead to further injury to the animal or yourself, risk of disease, and habituation to humans.  It is also illegal.  We understand the desire to help, but leaving the animal alone provides the best opportunity for it to make a recovery.

Often when people find young animals, particularly in spring and early summer, it may appear they have been abandoned or orphaned because an adult animal is not seen in the immediate area. However, the adult is usually somewhere close by.  Since young animals are not old enough to escape danger by running or flying, staying motionless is their best defense.  The adult has left the area so not to draw attention to its young and will return after you leave.  By handling or taking an animal in you reduce that animal’s chance for survival. In addition, possession of a live wild animal is also illegal. So, if you come across young animals while enjoying North Dakota, leave them where you find them.

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