Bald

Is it illegal to take a fallen feather from a bald eagle?

In a national park. come on now,how many bald eagles are going to let you pluck them? I couldn't imagine even thinking about shooting one.

Public Comments

1. Yes, because you can't prove it was shed naturally.
2. I don't think so. I know that the bald eagle is a very strong symbol of America but what happens when you find that feather? Just think about it. What is the government gonna do with that feather? Tape it back to an bald eagle?. Just think about that. I really don't think it's illegal to do that kind of thing. Plus the governent has more important things to worry about rather than arrest you for taking a FALLEN FEATHER from a bald eagle. They have to worry about robberies, murders, saving lives and stuff. But if you purposely take a feather, that's just cruel animal cruelty. But since it has fallen and you just have found it, i really really don't think it's illegal.
3. yes, its considered federal property
4. If it is, just hide it until you get back to your hotel/house
5. Yes it is. The International Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to harm or keep the feathers of over 800 species of birds including the American Bald Eagle. Additionally because the American Bald Eagle is listed under the Endangered Species Act, keeping a feather can be considered trafficking. It is not illegal to pick up and examine a Bald Eagle feather, but the feather cannot be collected and kept. It must be left approximately where it is found.
6. Yes, unless you have a permit or are an American Indian. As for your second question, a bald eagle that you shot and killed will not put up a fuss when you pluck it.