I will repeat the basics of my previous message. The eagle protection laws
are the most stringent of any endangered species legislation.   US law does
not allow museums (under any circumstances) to export or import parts of
eagles (feathers, claws, wings, bones, etc.).  You will also need a permit
to transport eagle parts within the US if the bird was taken (i.e., killed)
after the Bald Eagle Protection Act went into effect (1940 for bald eagles;
1962 for golden eagles).

Don't take chances or guess with this law -- your objects will be
confiscated and your museum will be fined.

Janice Klein
Registrar, The Field Museum (of Natural History)
[log in to unmask]


At 10:53 PM 2/23/1998 -0800, you wrote:
>Deb Fuller wrote:
>
>> I think laws are in effect for the protection of illegally smuggled eagle
>> parts which can fetch a high price on the black market.  I don't think
>> every eagle that decides to migrate up to Canada has to check with the US
>> government first.  :)
>>
>> Deb Fuller
>
> Actually, yes, they do.  The problem is not the eagle feathers that 'migrate'
>out, but the problems mentioned by Deanna Kerrigan in a later post,  namely
>that of getting them back in.
>
>Years ago, a museum in the west loaned to Canada some Eskimo dolls made with
>parts of a protected species, and there was serious question for some time
>whether they could get them back.
>
>The watchword is extreme caution and knowing every detail of the law before
>you start. Be in full communication with both U.S. Customs as well as Fish and
>Wildlife.  As Deanna pointed out, it may very well not be worth the effort.
>
>Lucy Skjelstad
>
>