The Risks and Legalities of Keeping Eagles as Pets

Is it dangerous or illegal to keep an eagle as a pet? This complex question is answered by examining both the legal implications and the inherent dangers associated with owning such a powerful bird.

The Legal Perspective

Legally, it is illegal to keep an eagle as a pet unless you are a Native American. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, along with subsequent U.S. legislation, protects all living eagles and any parts of a dead eagle from possession by non-Native Americans. This law is strictly enforced to protect the species from being illegally traded, sold, or kept as pets.

Interestingly, American Indians are legally allowed to keep eagle feathers as religious artifacts, which are integral to their cultural and spiritual practices. However, these feathers must be obtained legally through permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can only be used for ceremonial purposes.

The Elephant in the Room: Eagles as "Pets"

While the legal stance on eagles as pets is clear, the question of whether it is ethical to keep them as such is more complex. As far as "pets" go, eagles fall into a gray area. Some argue that it is not ethical, pointing to the Christian majority's fear of Native American beliefs and the misinterpretation of cultural practices.

From a legal perspective, the only time eagles can be kept in captivity is if the specimen is too damaged to be safely released into the wild. This loophole is often exploited by zoos and scientists, who capture and keep eagles for educational and scientific purposes, even though they may not be injured or unable to fly.

Risks and Dangers

Eagles pose significant risks and dangers to human beings and should not be kept as pets due to their predatory nature and powerful physical attributes.

Eagles are large birds with sharp talons and a beak designed to tear flesh. Even a small bust or peck can cause severe damage. For instance, a macaw, a common pet bird, can cause a significant injury when it feels threatened. An uncle once almost lost the entire ear of his macaw when the bird became frightened and bit him. Considering the size discrepancy between a macaw and an eagle, the potential for injury is exponentially higher.

People who work with eagles at animal sanctuaries are required to wear special leather gloves that cover their hands and forearms to ensure their safety. These gloves allow the birds to perch on their arms while they move around the sanctuary. An eagle in a bad mood or in a defensive situation could cause serious harm to a human. The inherent dangers make it highly irresponsible and potentially illegal to keep an eagle as a pet.

Conclusion: Keeping an eagle as a pet is both illegal and dangerous. Native Americans can legally keep eagle feathers for religious purposes, but eagles should not be treated as pets due to the risks they pose to human safety and the challenges in providing adequate care for such powerful and complex creatures.

Keywords

By understanding the legal and safety implications, individuals can make educated decisions and respect the rights and protections of these magnificent birds.