Home

An increase in public awareness about the value of eagles and the strict penalties for killing eagles seems to have lessened persecution. Indiscriminate shootings still occur though, and bald eagles are found dead in Oklahoma each year.

The bald eagle is protected by several state and federal laws, each with stiff penalties. The Eagle Protection Act, which protects bald and golden eagles, combined with the Criminal Fines Improvement Act of 1987, can cause violators to spend one year in jail or be fined $100,000 on a misdemeanor charge. A second consecutive violation is considered a felony with two years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. It is illegal to pursue, harm, harass, take or attempt to take, possess, sell, purchase or transport eagles, eagle parts or their eggs.

If you know of anyone committing such a violation, call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-522-8039, or contact the state game warden in your county. You should also call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Agent in your area: 918/581-7469 or 405/231-5251.

If you think you have found a bald eagle nest, report it by contacting the Wildlife Diversity Program at 405-522-3087. STAY AWAY FROM THE NEST AREA! As with all raptors, nesting eagles are easily disturbed and may abandon a nest if approached.

You can support bald eagles and other native wildlife by providing funding to the Wildlife Diversity Program. This program receives no state tax appropriations and is largely supported through voluntary contributions. Contact us for any further information you need.