A significant wildlife trafficking ring responsible for the unlawful killing of at least 118 eagles has been uncovered, with key player Travis John Branson awaiting sentencing.
At a Glance
- Travis John Branson helped kill at least 118 eagles to sell their feathers and body parts on the black market.
- The trafficking ring operated in the western U.S., including the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana.
- Branson is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Sept. 18.
- Prosecutors allege Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling eagle parts illegally.
Trafficking Ring Uncovered
Prosecutors have uncovered a significant wildlife trafficking ring responsible for the unlawful killing of at least 118 eagles. Travis John Branson, a key figure in the operation, is accused of selling the feathers and body parts of these majestic birds on the black market. The operation spanned several years and primarily took place in the western U.S., including the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana.
Branson allegedly killed and dismembered these protected eagles to sell their parts, which are highly sought after by Native Americans for ceremonial uses. Prosecutors allege that from 2009 to 2021, Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from these illegal activities. Branson is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Sept. 18, facing significant imprisonment and a restitution demand of $777,250.
A man helped kill at least 118 eagles to sell their feathers and body parts on the black market as part of a long-running wildlife trafficking ring in the western U.S. that authorities allege killed thousands of birds, court filings show. https://t.co/srpd22NZwK
— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 5, 2024
Court Proceedings and Legal Implications
Branson has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wildlife trafficking, and two counts of trafficking federally protected eagles. He faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the most serious charge, conspiracy. Federal guidelines suggest a sentence of three to four years in prison. Branson’s attorney disputes the number of birds killed, claiming the prosecution’s numbers are overstated and restitution for hawks is unwarranted since their killings were not included in the grand jury indictment.
“It was not uncommon for Branson to take upwards of nine eagles at a time,” prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana wrote in a Tuesday court filing. “Not only did Branson kill eagles, but he hacked them into pieces to sell for future profits.”
Investigation into the activities uncovered that co-defendant Simon Paul, who remains at large, initially estimated the ring killed up to 3,600 birds, later reducing the number to 1,000. For his part, Paul has been hiding in Canada to evade justice. Investigators documented Branson’s actions through his text messages, although two years of messages were not recovered. U.S. laws prohibit the killing, wounding, or disturbing of eagles without a permit, and there are legal avenues for members of federally recognized tribes to obtain eagle parts.
Broader Implications and Need for Action
This case starkly illustrates the pervasive impact of illegal wildlife activities, showing the need for stricter enforcement of conservation laws and increased public education on protecting wildlife. The trafficking of eagle parts not only endangers these birds but also disrupts ecological balance and biodiversity. Stronger laws and stringent penalties are essential in countering such destructive actions.
“It is notable that Mr. Paul himself went from a 3,600 to 1,000 bird estimate,” Federal Defender Andrew Nelson wrote in a Tuesday filing, referring to a statement Paul made to authorities in a March 13, 2021, traffic stop.
The uncovering of this trafficking ring serves as a grim reminder of wildlife exploitation’s broader ethical and environmental consequences. Public awareness and legal measures must work hand in hand to protect these majestic creatures for future generations.
