BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Legislation that would increase fines from $200 to $2,000 for killing a bald eagle in Pennsylvania is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
“The bald eagle has been our nation’s symbol since 1792 and my legislation that is now heading to the governor’s desk is our commonwealth’s recognition of the need to further protect them,” state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said in a news release. “The bald eagle holds immense representation on seals, buildings, monuments and state flags, including ours.
“It is our commonwealth’s duty to ensure their continued presence in our skies.”
The state House of Representatives passed the bill, Senate Bill 709, with overwhelming support, 171-30, officials announced Monday. First introduced by Boscola in 2015, the measure was approved by the Senate last July before an almost unanimous vote, with only two opposing, by the House Game & Fisheries Committee.
If signed into law, it would increase the fine and direct any money collected toward bald and golden eagle conservation efforts across the commonwealth.
The unfortunate trend of eagle poaching continues to plague the United States, making it imperative for Pennsylvania to take this proactive measure.Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton
“The unfortunate trend of eagle poaching continues to plague the United States, making it imperative for Pennsylvania to take this proactive measure,” Boscola said. “Over the last number of years, we have witnessed disturbing cases of poaching in Oregon, Minnesota, Texas and Washington that demonstrate the need to further protect bald and golden eagles.
“With the successful return of the bald eagle off the endangered list, more and more will be seen in the wild. We want to send a message to potential poachers — ’You cannot afford this. We are taking this seriously.’”
While conservation efforts have worked to help rebound threatened and endangered eagles in recent years — bald eagles were removed from the nation's list of threatened and endangered species in 2007 — the raptors still face threats from lead poisoning and poaching.
“In fact, the removal of bald eagles from the endangered species list calls for stronger protection measures,” Boscola said. “We must act proactively, and with Senate Bill 709 heading to the governor, we are working in a bipartisan manner towards a safer environment for these cherished national symbols.
“I would like to thank my colleagues in the House for their work in taking this next step in protecting bald and golden eagles.”
There are federal protections in place that would apply to poachers on top of any state penalties — The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Enacted in 1940, the act prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from "taking" bald or golden eagles, including their parts (as well as feathers), nests or eggs. A violation of the act can result in a fine of $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations), imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense.
“If left to live freely, we have the potential to witness the birth of 40 eaglets over a span of 20 years between a bald eagle pair, contributing to the restoration of these birds in Pennsylvania and our nation,” Boscola said.
If signed by Shapiro, the law would go into effect in 60 days from the date of enactment.
