In a shocking case of illegal wildlife trafficking, two men have been indicted on charges of conspiring to kill thousands of birds, including bald and golden eagles, and selling their body parts on the black market. Simon Paul and Travis John Branson are accused of carrying out this horrific crime between January 2015 and March 2021 on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana.

According to the federal indictment filed in the US District Court in Montana, Paul and Branson face charges of conspiracy, unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, and violating the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act, which was first enacted in 1900, is aimed at combating the trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish, or plants.

The indictment states that Branson traveled from Washington to Montana to shoot the birds, while Paul, who lived on the Flathead Indian Reservation, was described as a “shooter” and “shipper” for Branson. The court papers allege that Branson bragged about being "on a killing spree" and told buyers that he was obtaining eagle tail feathers for future sales.

The illegal scheme involved selling the wings and tails of the birds, with the pair earning over $350 per bird. From April 30, 2020, through March 13, 2021, they sold or offered to sell the parts or whole birds of two Bald Eagles and 11 Golden Eagles.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act prohibits anyone without a permit from “taking” bald or golden eagles or their parts, including feathers. The bald eagle, which is the national symbol of the United States, is not only a bird of biological interest but also represents America's ideals of freedom, according to the indictment.

If convicted, Branson faces up to 18 years behind bars, while Paul faces 15 years imprisonment. They are expected to have their initial appearance in court on January 8. It remains unclear if they have legal representation at this time.

The case has sparked outrage among conservationists and wildlife advocates. Killing these protected birds not only threatens their population but also undermines the efforts to preserve the country's natural heritage. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimated the bald eagle population to be around 316,700 as of 2019.

This shocking case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing illegal wildlife trade and the need for stricter enforcement to protect these magnificent creatures. The authorities must ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime face severe punishment to deter others from engaging in such activities.

The investigation into this case is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to dismantle the illegal wildlife trade networks. It is essential for everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking to help protect these vulnerable species.