Unintended Consequences: The Sinister Side of Species Protection

One of 13 bald eagles found dead on a farm in Maryland. (Credit: Maryland Natural Resources Police) There's something dark at work when it comes to certain human-animal interactions. A recent report from the Ecological Society of America admits that calling attention to plants and animals in need of special protections can actually result in “perverse consequences,” ultimately putting some species in harm's way—even in the face of stiff penalties. Killing a bald eagle is a federal offense punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. “A subsequent conviction under the Bald and Golden Eagles Act, raises the maximum penalty up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine,” says Neil Mendelsohn, assistant special agent in charge at the Northeast Regional Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He's currently investigating the mysterious deaths of 13 bald eagles discovered in Federalsburg, Maryland in late February. The reward for information now stands at $25,000. Necropsies show the birds didn't die of disease or natural causes, and officials are keeping mum so far—other than to say human intervention is suspected. Why do some people target and kill protected animals? It's a question scientists have asked before.