Poaching and illegal trafficking charges have been brought forward against a handful of people by Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES).
An investigation on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation dates back to August of last year and FWES officials say one of the individuals charged is an American fugitive from Montana who has been living in Alberta.
The man from Montana along with a man from Morley, Alberta and a man from Calgary allegedly sold various items to undercover officers – including a bald eagle feather headdress, black bear claw necklaces, and a raptor talon dance stick.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation goes back to March of this year and it began with a Report A Poacher tip about the man from Montana and the man from Morley allegedly shooting eagles and hawks from a truck near Cochrane.
Searches of the truck and residence of the suspects revealed multiple freshly removed eagle feet with talons, feathers, blood, and other raptor parts, plus unsecured firearms.
Also charged were a woman from Morley and a woman from Calgary. The five individuals face a combined total of 34 charges under Alberta’s Wildlife Act and a total of 9 charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Alberta’s 24 hour Report A Poacher line is 1-800-642-3800.
