Global

US Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring In Illegal Hunting And Trafficking Of Eagles

A 48-year-old man from the United States, Travis John Branson, has admitted to conspiring to hunt and traffic bald and golden eagles, facing a potential prison sentence of up to five years.

Branson confessed to shooting thousands of protected birds over several years and selling their parts and feathers on the black market. In incriminating text messages to a buyer, he boasted about “committing felonies” and engaging in a “killing spree.”

Facing charges of conspiracy, illegal trafficking of bald and golden eagles, and violations of laws prohibiting interstate trafficking in illegally possessed wildlife, Branson also faces hefty fines totalling around $250,000 (£195,000).

Between 2015 and 2021, Branson travelled from his residence in Washington state to western Montana for the illegal hunts. Collaborating with an accomplice, Simon Paul, they allegedly killed approximately 3,600 birds on the Flathead Indian Reservation and other locations, according to investigators.

Branson’s illegal activities came to light when he was apprehended in a traffic stop on March 13, 2021. Police discovered the talons and feathers of a golden eagle in his vehicle.

The bald eagle, a symbol of the United States, was once endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and exposure to the insecticide DDT, which affected eggshell strength. However, conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery, and the bird is no longer considered endangered.

Despite its recovery, the illegal hunting and trafficking of protected birds remain serious offenses, with Branson now awaiting sentencing scheduled for July 31 in federal court and his accomplice, Simon Paul, also wanted on similar charges.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour: Commercialisation Of GMO Seeds Can Take Away Nigeria’s Food Sovereignty, Cause Health Issues

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has condemned the commercialisation of GMO seeds, warning of threats to Nigeria’s food…

9 hours ago

Usyk Defeats Fury on Points in Riyadh to Retain Heavyweight Championship Title

Oleksandr Usyk has secured victory over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, successfully defending his heavyweight championship…

14 hours ago

Albania to Ban TikTok for a Year After Schoolboy’s Death Sparks Concerns

Albania plans a one-year TikTok ban from January after a schoolboy’s death sparks concerns over…

17 hours ago

Suspect Remanded in Custody Over Deadly Attack at German Christmas Market

A suspect accused of killing five people by driving into a crowded Christmas market in…

17 hours ago

US Fighter Jet ShotDown in Red Sea ‘Friendly Fire’ Incident Amid Heightened Tensions

A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet was mistakenly shot down over the Red Sea by the…

18 hours ago

NNPC, Dangote Refinery Slash Petrol Prices to N899 Per Litre Amid Rising Competition

NNPC has reduced petrol ex-depot price to N899 per litre, sparking competition with Dangote Refinery…

18 hours ago