Eagle feathers play a sacred role in powwows. Poachers are exploiting the high demand

America’s golden eagles face a rising threat from a black market for their feathers used in Native American powwows and other ceremonies. Golden eagles are federally protected but not considered endangered. They already faced pressure from collisions with wind turbines and habitat loss due to human development and climate change. The government’s response has been to crack down on illegal poaching rings while distributing feathers and other eagle parts legally to tribal members through a federal repository in Colorado. However, there's a years-long backlog for some eagle parts, driving up demand and leaving an opening that criminals exploit.