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From: dragon@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Sam Conway)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Eagle murders
Message-ID: <1991Feb7.182508.14253@dartvax.dartmouth.edu>
Date: 7 Feb 91 18:25:08 GMT
References: <11331@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu>
Sender: news@dartvax.dartmouth.edu (The News Manager)
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
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In article <11331@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu> mike@uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Mike W. Burger) writes:

>	It is probable that the birds were destroyed to
>supply eagle talons, eagle wings and feathers for Indian
>ceremonial use. 

Actually, that is possible, but not probable.  Eagle feathers and
talons are collected nationwide by rehabbers, zoos, and the like,
and given to any tribal leader who requests them for ceremonial
purposes.  It's easy, and it's legal.  I don't think anyone would
need to resort to buying "black market" eagle parts.

Now, it is HIGHLY likely that the parts were being sold to 
macho assholes as trophies and to tourists as souvenirs.  There
seems to be a market for such things in Canada, and a number of
sting operations have been employed to catch the perpetrators.

I suggest that, when caught, these people are subjected to the
removal of their fingers, which are then strung together and hung
about the necks of eagles.


-- 
Sam Conway                             * What shape do you usually have?
dragon@eleazar.dartmouth.edu           * Mickey Mouse shape?  Smarties
Chemistry Dept., Dartmouth College, NH * shape?  Amphibious landing craft
Vermont Raptor Center (VINS)           * shape?  Poke in the eye shape?