Federal Investigators Bust Eagle Trafficking Ring

    Federal investigators have charged over a dozen people in South Dakota for illegally trafficking eagles and other migratory birds.

    FOX’s Jeff Monosso reports:

    15 people are indicted in a trafficking scheme that South Dakota U.S. attorney Randy Seiler described as a chop shop involving hundreds of birds including protected American bald eagles. He also says that none of the items sold to undercover agents in a two year investigation were for cultural or religious purposes.

    (Seiler) “This was a for profit operation and the feathers, and the eagle parts and the eagle talons, and eagle beaks were treated like merchandise.”

    The 15 suspects include Native Americans and non-natives. They likely also face significant additional federal charges. The suspects are due in court in South Dakota next week.

    Jeff Monosso, FOX News.

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