Man Involved in Killing of 118 Eagles in Wildlife Trafficking Ring, Prosecutors Say

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Travis John Branson, from Washington, helped kill at least 118 eagles as part of a wildlife trafficking ring, earning between $180,000 and $360,000 between 2009 and 2021 by selling eagle feathers and body parts on the black market, according to Montana prosecutors.

Branson, who pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy and trafficking federally protected bald and golden eagles, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors are pushing for a prison sentence of three to four years, along with restitution totaling $777,250. The sentencing is scheduled for September 18.

Prosecutors allege that as many as 3,600 birds were killed in the trafficking operation, though Branson's lawyer claims the number has been exaggerated. Killing eagles is illegal without a permit, and bald and golden eagles hold sacred significance for many Native Americans.