Feds Sentence 12 For Illegally Trafficking Birds

Twelve people in South Dakota and Montana have been sentenced for trafficking federally protected migratory birds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the two-year investigation. During the investigation, agents documented 43 transactions of protected migratory birds, primarily bald and golden eagles.

Officials say bald and golden eagle carcasses were shipped across state lines using the U.S. Postal Service. Wire transfers to fund the transactions also occurred.

Ed Grace is the deputy chief for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He says in a news release that the unlawful killing and commercialization of eagles and hawks is a "significant threat" to the species.

He says he hopes the sentences imposed will serve as a deterrent to others.