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Mosenji t1_iujt2ql wrote

Reply to comment by gramathy in TIL the United States government has a National Eagle Repository, which provides Eagle feathers and parts to Native Americans for cultural and religious purposes. by tranquilrage73

This center was founded in the early 70s when eagle populations were rapidly declining in the lower 48 because their eggshells were too thin to survive thanks to DDT everywhere. Extinction there was a real possibility, besides being a national black eye would be another cultural blow on Indians.

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ChevExpressMan t1_iujuzic wrote

But now the eagle is off the endangered species list. Still, if caught with a eagle feather, that's $100,000 fine if you're not an Indian.

https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Taking-an-eagles-feather-could-get-you-a-100000-fine-and-a-year-in-jail-490671881.html

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S4rd0nyx t1_iujx3iy wrote

Just being Native is not sufficient. Possession is illegal without a specific license, but only Natives are eligible for said license.

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Mosenji t1_iujvqtt wrote

I wonder why the fine is so high?

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ChevExpressMan t1_iujyj5t wrote

It's to deter those who would willingly kill eagles so "collectors" could posses such and thus, prohibit us non-native greedy shits from making money.

Believe it that there's B.I.G. money in the illicit animal trade.

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