{"id":9580,"date":"2021-10-01T12:05:10","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T12:05:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/?p=9580"},"modified":"2021-10-03T09:20:15","modified_gmt":"2021-10-03T09:20:15","slug":"what-happens-if-you-kill-a-bald-eagle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/what-happens-if-you-kill-a-bald-eagle\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Kill A Bald Eagle?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever wondered what happens if you kill a bald eagle? Is there any legal protection in place to help discourage such killings? What if you mistakenly or unintentionally kill the eagle–what are the legal repercussions you can expect to face? In this article, we\u2019ll answer all of these questions and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if You Accidentally Kill a Bald Eagle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The bald eagle is the United States\u2019 national bird, and as such, most Americans would not deliberately kill it. But what if you mistake the majestic bird<\/a> for something else, or you shoot it accidentally in some way?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The laws regarding bald eagles are pretty harsh even for those who kill one unintentionally, and the laws do not necessarily make allowances for those who are unaware of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you kill a bald eagle, whether intentionally or not, you could be subject to a number of convictions and fines. Jail time is also possible. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, it is a crime to disturb both bald and golden eagles as well as their nests, eggs<\/a>, and any part of them. Trapping, transporting, killing, or otherwise molesting bald and golden eagles is going to get you in trouble unless you have a prior permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The maximum civil penalties for a first offense are $5,000 or a year in prison. A second offense has a maximum $10,000 civil penalty or up to two years in prison.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Criminal fines are much steeper, as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n