Found a Dead Eagle or Eagle Feathers?
For most people, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits possession of dead eagles and eagle parts, which includes eagle feathers. If you find a dead eagle please answer the following questions before touching or moving the eagle:
- Do you have reason to suspect the eagle’s death was intentionally caused by a human?
- Do you believe the eagle was electrocuted?
- Do you believe the eagle was shot or poisoned?
- Does it appear that feathers or any body parts have been intentionally removed from the eagle?
If the answer to any of the above questions is “yes”, immediately call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement office at: (1-844-397-8477).
If the answer to all of the above questions is “no”, dead eagles and all eagle parts, including feathers, must be transferred to the National Eagle Repository unless otherwise authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Eagle Repository provides Guidelines for Shipping Eagles to the Repository.
Even if you only find eagle feathers, these feathers can't be kept, but must be transferred to the National Eagle Repository unless otherwise authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
If you found an eagle in the Puget Sound Area, you are authorized to temporarily collect the eagle remains and transport them within 24 hours to the nearest drop-off center. Click here to view a list of drop-off locations available in the Puget Sound.