mike@uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Mike W. Burger) (02/07/91)
I do not know how many saw the disturbing story of the finding of the remains of a large number of bald eagles who had been systematically slain and dismembered in Osage County Oklahoma. I found it particularly alarming since I was born and raised only 20 miles from the place cited. Also a major capitive breeding project is located in Bartlesville, within miles of the site of the find. It is probable that the birds were destroyed to supply eagle talons, eagle wings and feathers for Indian ceremonial use. I believe the count was 23 birds minimum destroyed. At last count the reward being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible had risen to above $14,000. The bald eagle seems to be fairly well established in north eastern Oklahoma along the Arkansas River channelization project. mike@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu
bsp@hpfcso.HP.COM (Bruce Spence) (02/08/91)
Highly disturbing. I can't imagine kiling one of these beautiful creatures! Not particularly to the point of the basenote, but I saw a bald eagle perched in a dead cottonwood tree just outside the gate to our plant last week, looking very imperial. Wonderful sight I don't see often. Golden eagles are re-establishing in numbers in the foothills west of here, but the baldies are still elusive. Bruce Spence Hewlett-Packard Fort Collins, Colorado bsp@hpfibsp.fc.hp.com
dragon@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Sam Conway) (02/08/91)
In article <11331@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu> mike@uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Mike W. Burger) writes: > It is probable that the birds were destroyed to >supply eagle talons, eagle wings and feathers for Indian >ceremonial use. Actually, that is possible, but not probable. Eagle feathers and talons are collected nationwide by rehabbers, zoos, and the like, and given to any tribal leader who requests them for ceremonial purposes. It's easy, and it's legal. I don't think anyone would need to resort to buying "black market" eagle parts. Now, it is HIGHLY likely that the parts were being sold to macho assholes as trophies and to tourists as souvenirs. There seems to be a market for such things in Canada, and a number of sting operations have been employed to catch the perpetrators. I suggest that, when caught, these people are subjected to the removal of their fingers, which are then strung together and hung about the necks of eagles. -- Sam Conway * What shape do you usually have? dragon@eleazar.dartmouth.edu * Mickey Mouse shape? Smarties Chemistry Dept., Dartmouth College, NH * shape? Amphibious landing craft Vermont Raptor Center (VINS) * shape? Poke in the eye shape?