Killing of eagles on Flathead Indian Reservation highlights black market demand [Video]

SEATTLE — A Washington State man pleaded guilty in a Missoula courtroom on Wednesday to helping to kill thousands of birds — including federally protected eagles — in order to feed a black market for the selling of their feathers and body parts.

Travis John Branson is facing wildlife trafficking charges after court documents say he went on a years-long killing spree of bald and golden eagles.

Eagle feathers have been an important part of Native American ceremonies and regalia since time immemorial.

“Feathers are revered and sacred in Native American cultures. They are present to celebrate birth, their present to celebrate the passing to men and womanhood. They’re present, to celebrate marriage are present as a healing implements, and then also to recognize the passing of one’s life into another world,” explained Robert Mesta who works with the Liberty Wildlife Non-Eagle Feather Repository.

But because of the demand for feathers, one man accused of trying to cash in on demand for them by …