Behind the decision to remove DN2's body from the Decorah North nest

Dave Kester retrieving DN2 (Photo courtesy of Raptor Resource Project)

Jeff asks, "Why did Raptor Resource Project volunteers retrieve the body of DN2 from the Decorah North nest?"

Raptor Resource Project volunteers say they had a long discussion when they found out DN2 had died--quite possibly from poisoning.

On the one hand, they wanted to find out what had happened--and if DN1 or the parents were also in danger.  On the other hand, bald eagle nests are protected by a number of laws, including the Bald and Golden Eagle Act.  It is highly illegal to trespass on an active bald or golden eagle nest or take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, transport, or export or import any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg. The penalties may include a fine of $250,000 or two years of imprisonment, which is doubled for an organization.

After discussing what to do, RRP representative Amy Ries contacted the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Iowa DNR. She explained the situation and proposed that Raptor Resource volunteers would remove DN2's body--by using a catchpole, thus staying out of the nest.

Everyone agreed that intervention was appropriate and allowable in this case.  Dave Kester, Neil Rettig and Amy Reis retrieved the body of DN2 and it has been sent to the  Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for autopsy.  At last report, DN1 and Mom and Dad were doing well.