50 CFR Part 22 Eagle Permits

50 CFR Part 22 (up to date as of 8/21/2023)
Eagle Permits

50 CFR Part 22 (Aug. 21, 2023)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 50 —Wildlife and Fisheries
Chapter I —United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Subchapter B —Taking, Possession, Transportation, Sale, Purchase, Barter, Exportation, and
Importation of Wildlife and Plants
Part 22 Eagle Permits
Subpart A Introduction and General Requirements
§ 22.2 Purpose of this part.
§ 22.4 Scope of this part.
§ 22.6 Definitions.
§ 22.8 Information collection requirements.
§ 22.10 Relationship to other permit requirements.
§ 22.12 Illegal activities.
Subpart B [Reserved]
Subpart C Specific Eagle Permit Provisions
§ 22.50 Eagle scientific and eagle exhibition permits.
§ 22.60 Eagle Indian religious permits.
§ 22.70 Eagle falconry permits.
§ 22.75 What are the requirements concerning permits to take golden eagle nests?
§ 22.80 Permits for eagle take that is associated with, but not the purpose of, an activity.
§ 22.85 Removal of eagle nests.
§ 22.90 Permits for bald eagle take exempted under the Endangered Species Act.
Subpart D Provisions for Depredating Eagles
§ 22.100 Eagle depredation permits.
§ 22.120 Golden eagle depredations control order on request of Governor of a State.
§ 22.122 Conditions and limitations on taking under depredation control order.

PART 22—EAGLE PERMITS
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 668–668d; 703–712; 1531–1544.
Source: 39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Introduction and General Requirements
Source: 39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

50 CFR 22 (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 22.2

§ 22.2 Purpose of this part.
This part controls the taking, possession, and transportation within the United States of bald eagles (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and their parts, nests, and eggs for scientific, educational,
and depredation control purposes; for the religious purposes of American Indian tribes; and to protect other
interests in a particular locality. This part also governs the transportation into or out of the United States of bald and
golden eagle parts for scientific, educational, and Indian religious purposes. The import, export, purchase, sale,
trade, or barter of bald and golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs is prohibited.
[64 FR 50472, Sept. 17, 1999, as amended at 73 FR 29083, May 20, 2008; Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.4 Scope of this part.
(a)
(1) You can possess or transport within the United States, without a Federal permit:
(i)

Any live or dead bald eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs that were lawfully acquired before
June 8, 1940; and

(ii) Any live or dead golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs that were lawfully acquired before
October 24, 1962.
(2) You may not transport into or out of the United States, import, export, purchase, sell, trade, barter, or
offer for purchase, sale, trade, or barter bald or golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs of these
lawfully acquired pre-act birds. However, you may transport into or out of the United States any
lawfully acquired dead bald or golden eagles, their parts, nests, or dead eagles, if you acquire a
permit issued under § 22.60 of this part.
(3) No exemption from any statute or regulation will apply to any offspring of these pre-act birds.
(4) You must mark all shipments containing bald or golden eagles, alive or dead, their parts, nests, or
eggs as directed in § 14.81 of this subchapter. The markings must contain the name and address of
the person the shipment is going to, the name and address of the person the shipment is coming
from, an accurate list of contents by species, and the number of each species.
(b) The provisions in this part are in addition to, and are not in lieu of, other regulations of this subchapter B
which may require a permit or prescribe additional restrictions or conditions for the importation,
exportation, and interstate transportation of wildlife (see also part 13 of this subchapter).
[39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 64 FR 50472, Sept. 17, 1999. Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.6 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions contained in part 10 of this subchapter, and unless the context otherwise requires, in
this part 22:
Alternate nest means one of potentially several nests within a nesting territory that is not an in-use nest at the
current time. When there is no in-use nest, all nests in the territory are alternate nests.
Communal roost site means an area where eagles gather repeatedly in the course of a season and shelter
overnight and sometimes during the day in the event of inclement weather.
50 CFR 22.6 “Communal roost site” (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 22.6 “Compatible with the preservation of the bald
eagle or the golden eagle”

Compatible with the preservation of the bald eagle or the golden eagle means consistent with the goals of
maintaining stable or increasing breeding populations in all eagle management units and the persistence
of local populations throughout the geographic range of each species.
Cumulative effects means the incremental environmental impact or effect of the proposed action, together with
impacts of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions.
Disturb means to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on
the best scientific information available,
(1) injury to an eagle,
(2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering
behavior, or
(3) nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior.
Eagle management unit (EMU) means a geographically bounded region within which permitted take is regulated
to meet the management goal of maintaining stable or increasing breeding populations of bald or golden
eagles.
Eagle nest means any assemblage of materials built, maintained, or used by bald eagles or golden eagles for the
purpose of reproduction.
Export for the purpose of this part does not include the transportation of any dead bald or golden eagles, or their
parts, nests, or dead eggs out of the United States when accompanied with a valid transportation permit.
Foraging area means an area where eagles regularly feed during one or more seasons.
Import for the purpose of this part does not include the transportation of any dead bald or golden eagles, or
their parts, nests, or dead eggs into the United States when accompanied with a valid transportation
permit.
Important eagle-use area means an eagle nest, foraging area, or communal roost site that eagles rely on for
breeding, sheltering, or feeding, and the landscape features surrounding such nest, foraging area, or roost
site that are essential for the continued viability of the site for breeding, feeding, or sheltering eagles.
In-use nest means a bald or golden eagle nest characterized by the presence of one or more eggs, dependent
young, or adult eagles on the nest in the past 10 days during the breeding season.
Indirect effects means effects for which a proposed action is a cause, and which may occur later in time and/or
be physically manifested beyond the initial impacts of the action, but are still reasonably likely to occur.
Local area population (LAP) means the bald or golden eagle population within the area of a human activity or
project bounded by the natal dispersal distance for the respective species. The LAP is estimated using
the average eagle density of the EMU or EMUs where the activity or project is located.
Necessary to ensure public health and safety means required to maintain society's well-being in matters of
health and safety.
Nesting attempt means any activity by golden eagles involving egg laying and incubation as determined by the
presence of an egg attended by an adult, an adult in incubation posture, or other evidence indicating
recent use of a golden eagle nest for incubation of eggs or rearing of young.
Nesting territory means the area that contains one or more eagle nests within the home range of a mated pair of
eagles, regardless of whether such nests were built by the current resident pair.
50 CFR 22.6 “Nesting territory” (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 22.6 “Person”

Person means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association, or any other private entity, or any officer,
employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of any State or political subdivision of a State.
Practicable means available and capable of being done after taking into consideration existing technology,
logistics, and cost in light of a mitigation measure's beneficial value to eagles and the activity's overall
purpose, scope, and scale.
Resource development or recovery includes, but is not limited to, mining, timbering, extracting oil, natural gas
and geothermal energy, construction of roads, dams, reservoirs, power plants, power transmission lines,
and pipelines, as well as facilities and access routes essential to these operations, and reclamation
following any of these operations.
Safety emergency means a situation that necessitates immediate action to alleviate a threat of bodily harm to
humans or eagles.
Take means pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, destroy, molest, or disturb.
Transportation into or out of the United States for the purpose of this part means that the permitted item or
items transported into or out of the United States do not change ownership at any time, they are not
transferred from one person to another in the pursuit of gain or profit, and they are transported into or out
of the United States for Indian religious purposes, or for scientific or exhibition purposes under the
conditions and during the time period specified on a transportation permit for the items.
[39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 48 FR 57300, Dec. 29, 1983; 64 FR 50472, Sept. 17, 1999; 72 FR 31139, June 5, 2007; 74
FR 46876, Sept. 11, 2009; 81 FR 91550, Dec. 16, 2016; Redesignated at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.8 Information collection requirements.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in
this part and assigned OMB Control Number 1018–0167. Federal agencies may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control
number. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of the information collection to the
Service's Information Collection Clearance Officer at the address provided at 50 CFR 2.1(b).
[63 FR 52637, Oct. 1, 1998, as amended at 74 FR 46876, Sept. 11, 2009; 79 FR 43966, July 29, 2014; 81 FR 91550, Dec. 16, 2016;
Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.10 Relationship to other permit requirements.
You may not take, possess, or transport any bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or any golden eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos), or the parts, nests, or eggs of such birds, except as allowed by a valid permit issued under this part, 50
CFR part 13, 50 CFR part 17, and/or 50 CFR part 21 as provided by § 21.4, or authorized under a depredation order
issued under subpart D of this part. We will accept a single application for a permit under this part and any other
parts of this subchapter B if it includes all of the information required for an application under each applicable part.
(a) A permit that covers take of bald eagles or golden eagles under 50 CFR part 17 for purposes of providing
prospective or current ESA authorization constitutes a valid permit issued under this part for any take
authorized under the permit issued under part 17 as long as the permittee is in full compliance with the
terms and conditions of the permit issued under part 17. The provisions of part 17 that originally applied

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50 CFR 22.10(b)

will apply for purposes of the Eagle Act authorization, except that the criterion for revocation of the permit
is that the activity is incompatible with the preservation of the bald eagle or the golden eagle rather than
inconsistent with the criterion set forth in 16 U.S.C. 1539(a)(2)(B)(iv).
(b) You do not need a permit under parts 17 and 21 of this subchapter B for any activity permitted under this
part 22 with respect to bald or golden eagles or their parts, nests, or eggs.
(c) A permit under this part only authorizes take, possession, and/or transport under the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act and does not provide authorization under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the
Endangered Species Act for the take, possession, and/or transport of migratory birds or endangered or
threatened species other than bald or golden eagles.
(d) If you are transporting dead bald or golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or dead eggs into or out of the
United States, you will also need a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES) permit under part 23 of this subchapter.
[64 FR 50472, Sept. 17, 1999, as amended at 68 FR 61140, Oct. 27, 2003; 73 FR 29083, May 20, 2008; 81 FR 91550, Dec. 16, 2016;
Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.12 Illegal activities.
(a) You may not sell, purchase, barter, trade, import, or export, or offer for sale, purchase, barter, or trade, at
any time or in any manner, any bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), or any golden eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos), or the parts, nests, or eggs of these birds, and we will not issue a permit to authorize these
acts.
(b) You may not transport into or out of the United States any live bald or golden eagle, or any live egg of
those birds, and we will not issue a permit to authorize these acts.
[64 FR 50472, Sept. 17, 1999. Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

Subpart B [Reserved]
Subpart C—Specific Eagle Permit Provisions
Source: 39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

§ 22.50 Eagle scientific and eagle exhibition permits.
We may, under the provisions of this section, issue a permit authorizing the taking, possession, transportation within
the United States, or transportation into or out of the United States of lawfully possessed bald eagles or golden
eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs for the scientific or exhibition purposes of public museums, public scientific
societies, or public zoological parks. We will not issue a permit under this section that authorizes the transportation
into or out of the United States of any live bald or golden eagles, or any live eggs of these birds.
(a) How do I apply if I want a permit for scientific and exhibition purposes?

50 CFR 22.50(a) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 22 (up to date as of 8/21/2023)
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50 CFR 22.50(a)(1)

(1) You must submit applications for permits to take, possess, or transport within the United States
lawfully acquired live or dead bald or golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or live or dead eggs for
scientific or exhibition purposes to the appropriate Regional Director—Attention: Migratory Bird
Permit Office. You can find addresses for the Regional Directors in 50 CFR 2.2.
(2) If you want a permit to transport into or out of the United States any lawfully acquired dead bald or
golden eagles or their parts, nests, or dead eggs for scientific or exhibition purposes, you must
submit your application to the Office of Management Authority. Your application must contain all the
information necessary for the issuance of a CITES permit. You must also comply with all the
requirements in part 23 of this subchapter before international travel. Mail should be sent to the
Division of Management Authority at the address provided at 50 CFR 2.1(b).
(3) Your application for any permit under this section must also contain the information required under
this section, § 13.12(a) of this subchapter, and the following information:
(i)

Species of eagle and number of such birds, nests, or eggs proposed to be taken, possessed, or
transported;

(ii) Specific locality in which taking is proposed, if any;
(iii) Method taking proposed, if any;
(iv) If not taken, the source of eagles and other circumstances surrounding the proposed
acquisition or transportation;
(v) Name and address of the public museum, public scientific societies, or public zoological park
for which they are intended;
(vi) Complete explanation and justification of request, nature of project or study, number of
specimens now at institution, reason these are inadequate, and other appropriate explanations.
(b) What are the conditions? In addition to the general conditions in part 13 of this subchapter B, permits to
take, possess, transport within the United States, or transport into or out of the United States bald or
golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs for scientific or exhibition purposes, are also subject to the
following condition: In addition to any reporting requirement specifically noted in the permit, you must
submit a report of activities conducted under the permit to the Regional Director—Attention: Migratory
Bird Permit Office, within 30 days after the permit expires.
(c) How do we evaluate your application for a permit? We will conduct an investigation and will only issue a
permit to take, possess, transport within the United States, or transport into or out of the United States
bald or golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs for scientific or exhibition purposes when we
determine that the taking, possession, or transportation is compatible with the preservation of the bald
eagle and golden eagle. In making this determination, we will consider, among other criteria, the following:
(1) The direct or indirect effect which issuing such permit would be likely to have upon the wild
populations of bald and golden eagles;
(2) Whether the expertise, facilities, or other resources available to the applicant appear adequate to
successfully accomplish the objectives stated in the application;
(3) Whether the justification of the purpose for which the permit is being requested is adequate to justify
the removal of the eagle from the wild or otherwise change its status; and

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50 CFR 22.50(c)(4)

(4) Whether the applicant has demonstrated that the permit is being requested for bona fide scientific or
exhibition purposes of public museums, public scientific societies, or public zoological parks.
(d) Tenure of permits. The tenure of permits to take bald or golden eagles for scientific or exhibition purposes
shall be that shown on the face of the permit.
[39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 63 FR 52638, Oct. 1, 1998; 64 FR 50472, Sept. 17, 1999; 79 FR 43966, July 29, 2014.
Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.60 Eagle Indian religious permits.
We will issue a permit only to members of Indian entities recognized and eligible to receive services from the United
States Bureau of Indian Affairs listed under 25 U.S.C. 479a–1 engaged in religious activities who satisfy all the
issuance criteria of this section. We may, under the provisions of this section, issue a permit authorizing the taking,
possession, and transportation within the United States, or transportation into or out of the United States of lawfully
acquired bald eagles or golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs for Indian religious use. We will not issue a
permit under this section that authorizes the transportation into or out of the United States of any live bald or golden
eagles, or any live eggs of these birds.
(a) How do I apply if I want a permit for Indian religious purposes? You must submit applications for permits
to take, possess, transport within the United States, or transport into or out of the United States lawfully
acquired bald or golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or eggs for Indian religious use to the appropriate
Regional Director—Attention: Migratory Bird Permit Office. You can find addresses for the appropriate
Regional Directors in 50 CFR 2.2. If you are applying for a permit to transport into or out of the United
States, your application must contain all the information necessary for the issuance of a CITES permit.
You must comply with all the requirements in part 23 of this subchapter before international travel. Your
application for any permit under this section must also contain the information required under this
section, § 13.12(a) of this subchapter, and the following information:
(1) Species and number of eagles or feathers proposed to be taken, or acquired by gift or inheritance.
(2) State and local area where the taking is proposed to be done, or from whom acquired.
(3) Name of tribe with which applicant is associated.
(4) Name of tribal religious ceremony(ies) for which required.
(5) You must attach a certification of enrollment in an Indian tribe that is federally recognized under the
Federally Recognized Tribal List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. 479a–1, 108 Stat. 4791 (1994). The
certificate must be signed by the tribal official who is authorized to certify that an individual is a duly
enrolled member of that tribe, and must include the official title of that certifying official.
(b) What are the permit conditions? In addition to the general conditions in part 13 of this subchapter B,
permits to take, possess, transport within the United States, or transport into or out of the United States
bald or golden eagles, or their parts, nests or eggs for Indian religious use are subject to the following
conditions:
(1) Bald or golden eagles or their parts possessed under permits issued pursuant to this section are not
transferable, except such birds or their parts may be handed down from generation to generation or
from one Indian to another in accordance with tribal or religious customs; and

50 CFR 22.60(b)(1) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 22.60(b)(2)

(2) You must submit reports or inventories, including photographs, of eagle feathers or parts on hand as
requested by the issuing office.
(c) How do we evaluate your application for a permit? We will conduct an investigation and will only issue a
permit to take, possess, transport within the United States, or transport into or out of the United States
bald or golden eagles, or their parts, nests or eggs, for Indian religious use when we determine that the
taking, possession, or transportation is compatible with the preservation of the bald and golden eagle. In
making a determination, we will consider, among other criteria, the following:
(1) The direct or indirect effect which issuing such permit would be likely to have upon the wild
populations of bald or golden eagles; and
(2) Whether the applicant is an Indian who is authorized to participate in bona fide tribal religious
ceremonies.
(d) How long are the permits valid? We are authorized to amend, suspend, or revoke any permit that is issued
under this section (see §§ 13.23, 13.27, and 13.28 of this subchapter).
(1) A permit issued to you that authorizes you to take bald or golden eagles will be valid during the
period specified on the face of the permit, but will not be longer than 1 year from the date it is issued.
(2) A permit issued to you that authorizes you to transport and possess bald or golden eagles or their
parts, nests, or eggs within the United States will be valid for your lifetime.
(3) A permit authorizing you to transport dead bald eagles or golden eagles, or their parts, nests, or dead
eggs into or out of the United States can be used for multiple trips to or from the United States, but
no trip can be longer than 180 days. The permit will be valid during the period specified on the face
of the permit, not to exceed 3 years from the date it is issued.
[39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 63 FR 52638, Oct. 1, 1998; 64 FR 50473, Sept. 17, 1999. Redesignated and amended at
87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.70 Eagle falconry permits.
(a) Use of golden eagles in falconry. If you meet the conditions outlined in § 21.82(c)(3)(iv) of this part, and
you have a permit to possess a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) from your State, tribe, or territory, we
consider your permit sufficient for the purposes of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C.
668-668d), subject to the requirement that take of golden eagles for falconry is compatible with the
preservation of the golden eagle.
(b) Transfer of golden eagles trapped by government employees to other permittees. If you have the
necessary permit(s) from your State, tribe, or territory, a government employee who has trapped a golden
eagle under a Federal depredation permit or under a depredation control order may transfer the bird to you
if he or she cannot release the eagle in an appropriate location. A golden eagle may only be taken from a
livestock or wildlife depredation area declared by USDA Wildlife Services and permitted under § 22.100, or
from a livestock depredation area authorized in accordance with Subpart D—Provisions for Depredating
Eagles.
[73 FR 59477, Oct. 8, 2008, as amended at 75 FR 932, Jan. 7, 2010. Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

50 CFR 22.70(b) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 22.75

§ 22.75 What are the requirements concerning permits to take golden eagle nests?
The Director may, upon receipt of an application and in accordance with the issuance criteria of this section, issue a
permit authorizing any person to take alternate golden eagle nests during a resource development or recovery
operation if the taking is compatible with the preservation of golden eagles. The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this section and assigned OMB Control
Number 1018–0167. Federal agencies may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Direct comments regarding the
burden estimate or any other aspect of the information collection to the Service's Information Collection Clearance
Officer at the address provided at 50 CFR 2.1(b).
(a) How do I apply for a permit to take golden eagle nests? You must submit applications for permits to take
golden eagle nests to the appropriate Regional Director—Attention: Migratory Bird Permit Office. You can
find addresses for the appropriate Regional Directors in 50 CFR 2.2. We will only accept applications if you
are engaged in a resource development or recovery operation, including the planning and permitting
stages of an operation. Your application must contain the general information and certification required
by § 13.12(a) of this chapter plus the following additional information:
(1) A description of the resource development or recovery operation in which the applicant is engaged.
(2) The number of golden eagle nests proposed to be taken.
(3) A description of the property on which the taking is proposed, with reference made to its exact
geographic location. An appropriately scaled map or plat must be included which delineates the area
of the resource development or recovery operation and identifies the exact location of each golden
eagle nest proposed to be taken. The map or plat must contain enough detail so that each golden
eagle nest proposed to be taken can be readily located by the Service.
(4) Nest and territory occupancy data.
(i)

For each golden eagle nest proposed to be taken, the applicant must identify on an
appropriately scaled map or plat the exact location of each golden eagle nest in the nesting
territory. The map or plat must contain enough details so that each golden eagle nest can be
readily located by the Service.

(ii) A description of the monitoring that was done to verify that eagles are not attending the nest for
breeding purposes, and any additional available documentation used in identifying which nests
within the territory were in-use nests in current and past breeding seasons.
(5) A description of each activity to be performed during the resource development or recovery
operation which involves the taking of a golden eagle nest.
(6) The length of time for which the permit is requested, including the dates on which the proposed
resource development or recovery operation is to begin and end.
(7) A statement indicating the intended disposition of each nest proposed to be taken. Applicants
should state whether they are willing to collect any nest for scientific or educational purposes.
(8) A statement indicating any proposed mitigation measures that are compatible with the resource
development or recovery operation to encourage golden eagles to reoccupy the resource
development or recovery site. Mitigation measures may include reclaiming disturbed land to
enhance golden eagle nesting and foraging habitat, relocating in suitable habitat any inactive golden
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50 CFR 22.75(b)

eagle nest taken, or establishing one or more nest sites. If the establishment of one or more nest
sites is proposed, a description of the materials and methods to be used and the exact location of
each artificial nest site must be included.
(b) Additional permit conditions. In addition to the general conditions set forth in part 13 of this chapter,
permits to take golden eagle nests are subject to the following additional conditions:
(1) Only alternate golden eagle nests may be taken;
(2) The permittee shall submit a report of activities conducted under the permit to the Director within ten
(10) days following the permit's expiration;
(3) The permittee shall notify the Director in writing at least 10 days but not more than 30 days before
any golden eagle nest is taken;
(4) The permittee must comply with any mitigation and monitoring measures determined by the Director
to be practicable and compatible with the resource development or recovery operation; and
(5) Any permit issued before the commencement of a resource development or recovery operation is
invalid if the activity which required a permit is not performed.
(c) Issuance criteria. The Director shall conduct an investigation and not issue a permit to take any golden
eagle nest unless such taking is compatible with the preservation of golden eagles. In making such
determination, the Director shall consider the following:
(1) Whether the applicant can reasonably conduct the resource development or recovery operation in a
manner that avoids taking any golden eagle nest;
(2) The total number of golden eagle nests proposed to be taken;
(3) Whether suitable golden eagle nesting and foraging habitat unaffected by the resource development
or recovery operation is available to accommodate any golden eagles displaced by the resource
development or recovery operation; and
(4) Whether practicable mitigation measures compatible with the resource development or recovery
operation are available to encourage reoccupation by golden eagles of the resource development or
recovery site. Mitigation measures may include, but are not limited to, reclaiming disturbed land to
enhance golden eagle nesting and foraging habitat, relocating in suitable habitat any golden eagle
nest taken, or establishing one or more nest sites.
(d) Tenure of permits. The tenure of any permit to take golden eagle nests is 2 years from the date of
issuance, unless a shorter period of time is prescribed on the face of the permit. Permits may be renewed
in accordance with part 13 of this chapter.
[48 FR 57300, Dec. 29, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 52638, Oct. 1, 1998; 64 FR 50474, Sept. 17, 1999; 81 FR 91550, Dec. 16, 2016.
Redesignated and amended at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.80 Permits for eagle take that is associated with, but not the purpose of, an activity.
(a) Purpose and scope. This permit authorizes take of bald eagles and golden eagles where the take is
compatible with the preservation of the bald eagle and the golden eagle; is necessary to protect an
interest in a particular locality; is associated with, but not the purpose of, the activity; and cannot
practicably be avoided.
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50 CFR 22.80(b)

(b) Definitions. In addition to the definitions contained in part 10 of this subchapter, and § 22.6, the following
definition applies in this section:
Eagle means a live bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), live golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), a bald
eagle egg, or a golden eagle egg.
(c) Permit conditions. In addition to the conditions set forth in part 13 of this subchapter, which govern permit
renewal, amendment, transfer, suspension, revocation, and other procedures and requirements for all
permits issued by the Service, your authorization is subject to the following additional conditions:
(1) You must comply with all avoidance, minimization, or other mitigation measures specified in the
terms of your permit to mitigate for the detrimental effects on eagles, including indirect and
cumulative effects, of the permitted take.
(i)

Compensatory mitigation scaled to project impacts will be required for any permit authorizing
take that would exceed the applicable eagle management unit take limits. Compensatory
mitigation for this purpose must ensure the preservation of the affected eagle species by
reducing another ongoing form of mortality by an amount equal to or greater than the
unavoidable mortality, or increasing the eagle population by an equal or greater amount.

(ii) Compensatory mitigation may also be required in the following circumstances:
(A) When cumulative authorized take, including the proposed take, would exceed 5 percent of
the local area population; or
(B) When available data indicate that cumulative unauthorized mortality would exceed 10
percent of the local area population.
(iii) All required compensatory mitigation must:
(A) Be determined based on application of all practicable avoidance and minimization
measures;
(B) Be sited within the same eagle management unit where the permitted take will occur
unless the Service has reliable data showing that the population affected by the take
includes individuals that are reasonably likely to use another eagle management unit
during part of their seasonal migration;
(C) Use the best available science in formulating and monitoring the long-term effectiveness
of mitigation measures and use rigorous compliance and effectiveness monitoring and
evaluation to make certain that mitigation measures achieve their intended outcomes, or
that necessary changes are implemented to achieve them;
(D) Be additional and improve upon the baseline conditions of the affected eagle species in a
manner that is demonstrably new and would not have occurred without the compensatory
mitigation (voluntary actions taken in anticipation of meeting compensatory mitigation
requirements for an eagle take permit not yet granted may be credited toward
compensatory mitigation requirements);
(E) Be durable and, at a minimum, maintain its intended purpose for as long as impacts of the
authorized take persist; and
(F) Include mechanisms to account for and address uncertainty and risk of failure of a
compensatory mitigation measure.
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50 CFR 22.80(c)(1)(iv)

(iv) Compensatory mitigation may include conservation banking, in-lieu fee programs, and other
third-party mitigation projects or arrangements. Permittee-responsible mitigation may be
approved provided the permittee submits verifiable documentation sufficient to demonstrate
that the standards set forth in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section have been met and the
alternative means of compensatory mitigation will offset the permitted take to the degree that
is compatible with the preservation of eagles.
(2) Monitoring.
(i)

You may be required to monitor impacts to eagles from the permitted activity for up to 3 years
after completion of the activity or as set forth in a separate management plan, as specified on
your permit. For ongoing activities and enduring site features that will likely continue to cause
take, periodic monitoring will be required for as long as the data are needed to assess impacts
to eagles.

(ii) The frequency and duration of required monitoring will depend on the form and magnitude of
the anticipated take and the objectives of associated avoidance, minimization, or other
mitigation measures, not to exceed what is reasonable to meet the primary purpose of the
monitoring, which is to provide data needed by the Service regarding the impacts of the activity
on eagles for purposes of adaptive management. You must coordinate with the Service to
develop project-specific monitoring protocols. If the Service has officially issued or endorsed,
through rulemaking procedures, monitoring protocols for the activity that will take eagles, you
must follow them, unless the Service waives this requirement. Your permit may require that the
monitoring be conducted by qualified, independent third parties that report directly to the
Service.
(3) You must submit an annual report summarizing the information you obtained through monitoring to
the Service every year that your permit is valid and for up to 3 years after completion of the activity or
termination of the permit, as specified in your permit. The Service will make eagle mortality
information from annual reports available to the public.
(4) While the permit is valid and for up to 3 years after it expires, you must allow Service personnel, or
other qualified persons designated by the Service, access to the areas where eagles are likely to be
affected, at any reasonable hour, and with reasonable notice from the Service, for purposes of
monitoring eagles at the site(s).
(5) The authorizations granted by permits issued under this section apply only to take that results from
activities conducted in accordance with the description contained in the permit application and the
terms of the permit. If the permitted activity changes after a permit is issued, you must immediately
contact the Service to determine whether a permit amendment is required in order to retain take
authorization.
(6) You must contact the Service immediately upon discovery of any unanticipated take.
(7) Additional conditions for permits with durations longer than 5 years —
(i)

Monitoring. Monitoring to assess project impacts to eagles and the effectiveness of avoidance
and minimization measures must be conducted by qualified, independent third parties,
approved by the Service. Monitors must report directly to the Service and provide a copy of the
reports and materials to the permittee.

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50 CFR 22.80(c)(7)(ii)

(ii) Adaptive management. The permit will specify circumstances under which modifications to
avoidance, minimization, or compensatory mitigation measures or monitoring protocols will be
required, which may include, but are not limited to: Take levels, location of take, and changes in
eagle use of the activity area. At a minimum, the permit must specify actions to be taken if take
approaches or reaches the amount authorized and anticipated within a given time frame.
Adaptive management terms in a permit will include review periods of no more than 5 years
and may require prompt action(s) upon reaching specified conditions at any time during the
review period.
(iii) Permit reviews. At no more than 5 years from the date a permit that exceeds 5 years is issued,
and at least every 5 years thereafter, the permittee will compile, and submit to the Service, eagle
fatality data or other pertinent information that is site-specific for the project, as required by the
permit. The Service will review this information, as well as information provided directly to the
Service by independent monitors, to determine whether:
(A) The permittee is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit and has
implemented all applicable adaptive management measures specified in the permit; and
(B) Eagle take does not exceed the amount authorized to occur within the period of review.
(iv) Actions to be taken based on the permit review.
(A) In consultation with the permittee, the Service will update fatality predictions, authorized
take levels and compensatory mitigation for future years, taking into account the observed
levels of take based on approved protocols for monitoring and estimating total take, and, if
applicable, accounting for changes in operations or permit conditions pursuant to the
adaptive management measures specified in the permit or made pursuant to paragraphs
(c)(7)(iv)(B) through (D) of this section.
(B) If authorized take levels for the period of review are exceeded in a manner or to a degree
not addressed in the adaptive management conditions of the permit, based on the
observed levels of take using approved protocols for monitoring and estimating total take,
the Service may require additional actions including but not limited to:
(1) Adding, removing, or adjusting avoidance, minimization, or compensatory mitigation
measures;
(2) Modifying adaptive management conditions;
(3) Modifying monitoring requirements; and
(4) Suspending or revoking the permit in accordance with part 13 of this subchapter B.
(C) If the observed levels of take, using approved protocols for monitoring and estimating total
take, are below the authorized take levels for the period of review, the Service will
proportionately revise the amount of compensatory mitigation required for the next period
of review, including crediting excess compensatory mitigation already provided by
applying it to the next period of review.
(D) Provided the permittee implements all required actions and remains compliant with the
terms and conditions of the permit, no other action is required. However, with consent of
the permittee, the Service may make additional changes to a permit, including appropriate
modifications to avoidance and/or minimization measures or monitoring requirements. If
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50 CFR 22.80(c)(7)(v)

measures are adopted that have been shown to be effective in reducing risk to eagles,
appropriate adjustments will be made in fatality predictions, take estimates, and
compensatory mitigation.
(v) Fees. For permits with terms longer than 5 years, an administration fee of $8,000 will be
assessed every 5 years for permit review.
(8) The Service may amend, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under this section if new information
indicates that revised permit conditions are necessary, or that suspension or revocation is necessary,
to safeguard local or regional eagle populations. This provision is in addition to the general criteria
for amendment, suspension, and revocation of Federal permits set forth in §§ 13.23, 13.27, and
13.28 of this chapter.
(9) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 13.26 of this chapter, you remain responsible for all outstanding
monitoring requirements and mitigation measures required under the terms of the permit for take
that occurs prior to cancellation, expiration, suspension, or revocation of the permit.
(10) You must promptly notify the Service of any eagle(s) found injured or dead at the activity site,
regardless of whether the injury or death resulted from your activity. The Service will determine the
disposition of such eagles.
(11) You are responsible for ensuring that the permitted activity is in compliance with all Federal, Tribal,
State, and local laws and regulations applicable to eagles.
(d) Applying for an eagle take permit.
(1) You are advised to coordinate with the Service as early as possible for advice on whether a permit is
needed and for technical assistance in assembling your permit application package. The Service
may provide guidance on developing complete and adequate application materials and will
determine when the application form and materials are ready for submission.
(2) Your application must consist of a completed application Form 3–200–71 and all required
attachments. Send applications to the Regional Director of the Region in which the take would
occur—Attention: Migratory Bird Permit Office. You can find the current addresses for the Regional
Directors in § 2.2 of subchapter A of this chapter.
(3) Except as set forth in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section, an applicant must coordinate with the
Service to develop project-specific monitoring and survey protocols, take probability models, and any
other applicable data quality standards, and include in the application all the data thereby obtained.
(i)

If the Service has officially issued or endorsed, through rulemaking procedures, survey,
modeling, or other data quality standards for the activity that will take eagles, you must follow
them and include in your application all the data thereby obtained, unless the Service waives
this requirement for your application.

(ii) Applications for eagle incidental take permits for wind facilities must include pre-construction
eagle survey information collected according to the following standards, unless exceptional
circumstances apply and survey requirements can be modified to accommodate those
circumstances after consultation with, and written concurrence by, the Service:

50 CFR 22.80(d)(3)(ii) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR 22.80(d)(3)(ii)(A)

(A) Surveys must consist of point-based recordings of bald eagle and golden eagle flight
activity (minutes of flight) within a three-dimensional cylindrical plot (the sample plot). The
radius of the sample plot is 2,625 feet (ft) (800 meters (m)), and the height above ground
level must be either 656 ft (200 m) or 82 ft (25 m) above the maximum blade reach,
whichever is greater.
(B) The duration of the survey for each visit to each sample plot must be at least 1 hour.
(C) Sampling must include at least 12 hours per sample plot per year for 2 or more years.
Each sample plot must be sampled at least once per month, and the survey start time for
a sampling period must be selected randomly from daylight hours,[1] unless the conditions
in paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(F) of this section apply.
(D) Sampling design must be spatially representative of the project footprint,[2] and spatial
coverage of sample plots must include at least 30 percent of the project footprint. Sample
plot locations must be determined randomly, unless the conditions in paragraph
(d)(3)(ii)(F) of this section apply.

(E) The permit application package must contain the following:
(1) Coordinates of each sample point in decimal degrees (specify projection/datum).
(2) The radius and height of each sample plot.
(3) The proportion of each three-dimensional sample plot that was observable from the
sample point for each survey.
(4) Dates, times, and weather conditions for each survey, to include the time surveys at
each sample point began and ended.
(5) Information for each survey on the number of eagles by species observed (both in
flight and perched), and the amount of flight time (minutes) that each was in the
sample plot area.
(6) The number of proposed turbines and their specifications, including brand/model,
rotor diameter, hub height, and maximum blade reach (height), or the range of
possible options.
(7) Coordinates of the proposed turbine locations in decimal degrees (specify
projection/datum), including any alternate sites.
(F) Stratified-random sampling (a sample design that accounts for variation in eagle
abundance by, for example, habitat, time of day, season) will often provide more robust,
efficient sampling. Random sampling with respect to time of day, month, or project
footprint can be waived if stratification is determined to be a preferable sampling strategy
after consultation and approval in advance with the Service.

[1]

Daylight hours are defined as the hours between sunrise and sunset.

[2]

The project footprint is the minimum-convex polygon that encompasses the wind-project area inclusive of
the hazardous area around all turbines and any associated utility infrastructure, roads, etc.
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50 CFR 22.80(d)(3)(iii)

(iii) Application of the Service-endorsed data quality standards of paragraphs (d)(3)(i) and (ii) of this
section may not be needed if:
(A) The Service has data of sufficient quality to predict the likely risk to eagles;
(B) Expediting the permit process will benefit eagles; or
(C) The Service determines the risk to eagles from the activity is low enough relative to the
status of the eagle population based on:
(1) Physiographic and biological factors of the project site; or
(2) The project design (i.e., use of proven technology, micrositing, etc.).
(e) Evaluation of applications. In determining whether to issue a permit, we will evaluate:
(1) Whether take is likely to occur based on the magnitude and nature of the impacts of the activity.
(2) Whether the take is:
(i)

Compatible with the preservation of the bald eagle and the golden eagle, including
consideration of indirect effects and the cumulative effects of other permitted take and other
additional factors affecting eagle populations;

(ii) Associated with the permanent loss of an important eagle use area;
(iii) Necessary to protect a legitimate interest in a particular locality; and
(iv) Associated with, but not the purpose of, the activity.
(3) Whether the cumulative authorized take, including the proposed take, would exceed 5 percent of the
local area population.
(4) Any available data indicating that unauthorized take may exceed 10 percent of the local area
population.
(5) Whether the applicant has proposed all avoidance and minimization measures to reduce the take to
the maximum degree practicable relative to the magnitude of the impacts to eagles.
(6) Whether the applicant has proposed compensatory mitigation measures that comply with standards
set forth under paragraph (c)(1) of this section to compensate for remaining unavoidable impacts
after all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization measures have been applied.
(7) Whether issuing the permit would preclude the Service from authorizing another take necessary to
protect an interest of higher priority, according to the following prioritization order:
(i)

Safety emergencies;

(ii) Increased need for traditionally practiced Native American tribal religious use that requires
taking eagles from the wild;
(iii) Non-emergency activities necessary to ensure public health and safety; and
(iv) Other interests.
(8) For projects that are already operational and have taken eagles without a permit, whether such past
unpermitted eagle take has been resolved or is in the process of resolution with the Office of Law
Enforcement through settlement or other appropriate means.
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50 CFR 22.80(e)(9)

(9) Any additional factors that may be relevant to our decision whether to issue the permit, including, but
not limited to, the cultural significance of a local eagle population.
(f) Required determinations. Before we issue a permit, we must find that:
(1) The direct and indirect effects of the take and required mitigation, together with the cumulative
effects of other permitted take and additional factors affecting the eagle populations within the
eagle management unit and the local area population, are compatible with the preservation of bald
eagles and golden eagles.
(2) The taking is necessary to protect an interest in a particular locality.
(3) The taking is associated with, but not the purpose of, the activity.
(4) The applicant has applied all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization measures to
reduce impacts to eagles.
(5) The applicant has applied all appropriate and practicable compensatory mitigation measures, when
required, pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, to compensate for remaining unavoidable
impacts after all appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization measures have been
applied.
(6) Issuance of the permit will not preclude issuance of another permit necessary to protect an interest
of higher priority as set forth in paragraph (e)(7) of this section.
(7) Issuance of the permit will not interfere with an ongoing civil or criminal action concerning
unpermitted past eagle take at the project.
(g) We may deny issuance of a permit if we determine that take is not likely to occur.
(h) Permit duration. The duration of each permit issued under this section will be designated on its face and
will be based on the duration of the proposed activities, the period of time for which take will occur, the
level of impacts to eagles, and the nature and extent of mitigation measures incorporated into the terms
and conditions of the permit. A permit for incidental take will not exceed 30 years.
(i)

Applicants for eagle incidental take permits who submit a completed permit application by July 14, 2017
may elect to apply for coverage under the regulations that were in effect prior to January 17, 2017
provided that the permit application satisfies the permit application requirements of the regulations in
effect prior to January 17, 2017. If the Service issues a permit to such applicants, all of the provisions and
conditions of the regulations that were in effect prior to January 17, 2017 will apply.

[74 FR 46877, Sept. 11, 2009, as amended at 79 FR 73725, Dec. 9, 2013; 81 FR 8004, Feb. 17, 2016; 81 FR 91551, Dec. 16, 2016.
Redesignated at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022; 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.85 Removal of eagle nests.
(a) Purpose and scope.
(1) A permit may be issued under this section to authorize removal or relocation of:
(i)

An in-use or alternate nest where necessary to alleviate an existing safety emergency, or to
prevent a rapidly developing safety emergency that is otherwise likely to result in bodily harm to
humans or eagles while the nest is still in use by eagles for breeding purposes;

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50 CFR 22.85(a)(1)(ii)

(ii) An alternate nest when the removal is necessary to ensure public health and safety;
(iii) An alternate nest, or an in-use nest prior to egg-laying, that is built on a human-engineered
structure and creates, or is likely to create, a functional hazard that renders the structure
inoperable for its intended use; or
(iv) An alternate nest, provided the take is necessary to protect an interest in a particular locality
and the activity necessitating the take or the mitigation for the take will, with reasonable
certainty, provide a net benefit to eagles.
(2) Where practicable and biologically warranted, the permit may require a nest to be relocated, or a
substitute nest provided, in a suitable site within the same territory to provide a viable nesting option
for eagles within that territory, unless such relocation would create a threat to safety. However, we
may issue permits to remove nests that we determine cannot or should not be relocated. The permit
may authorize take of eggs or nestlings if present. The permit may also authorize the take of adult
eagles (e.g., disturbance or capture) associated with the removal or relocation of the nest.
(3) A permit may be issued under this section to cover multiple nest takes over a period of up to 5 years,
provided the permittee complies with comprehensive measures developed in coordination with the
Service to minimize the need to remove nests and specified as conditions of the permit.
(4) This permit does not authorize intentional, lethal take of eagles.
(b) Conditions.
(1) The permit does not authorize take of in-use nests except:
(i)

For safety emergencies as provided under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section; or

(ii) Prior to egg-laying if the in-use nest is built on a human-engineered structure and meets the
provisions set forth in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section.
(2) When an in-use nest must be removed under this permit, any take of nestlings or eggs must be
conducted by a Service-approved, qualified agent. All nestlings and viable eggs must be immediately
transported to foster/recipient nests or a rehabilitation facility permitted to care for eagles, as
directed by the Service, unless the Service waives this requirement.
(3) Possession of the nest for any purpose other than removal or relocation is prohibited without a
separate permit issued under this part authorizing such possession.
(4) You must submit a report consisting of a summary of the activities conducted under the permit to
the Service within 30 days after the permitted take occurs, except that for programmatic permits, you
must report each nest removal within 10 days after the take and submit an annual report by January
31 containing all the information required in Form 3-202-16 for activities conducted during the
preceding calendar year.
(5) You may be required to monitor the area and report whether eagles attempt to build or occupy
another nest at another site in the vicinity for the duration specified in the permit.
(6) You may be required under the terms of the permit to harass eagles from the area following the nest
removal when the Service determines it is necessary to prevent eagles from re-nesting in the vicinity.
(7) You must comply with all avoidance, minimization, or other mitigation measures specified in the
terms of your permit to mitigate for the detrimental effects on eagles, including indirect and
cumulative effects, of the permitted take.
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50 CFR 22.85(b)(8)

(8) Compensatory mitigation scaled to project impacts will be required for any permit authorizing take
that would exceed the applicable eagle management unit take limits. Compensatory mitigation must
conform to the standards set forth at § 22.80(c)(1)(iii). Compensatory mitigation may also be
required in the following circumstances:
(i)

When cumulative authorized take, including the proposed take, would exceed 5 percent of the
local area population;

(ii) When available data indicate that cumulative unauthorized mortality would exceed 10 percent
of the local area population; or
(iii) If the permitted activity does not provide a net benefit to eagles, you must apply appropriate and
practicable compensatory mitigation measures as specified in your permit to provide a net
benefit to eagles scaled to the effects of the nest removal.
(9) The Service may amend or revoke a programmatic permit issued under this section if new
information indicates that revised permit conditions are necessary, or that suspension or revocation
is necessary, to safeguard local or regional eagle populations.
(10) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 13.26 of this subchapter, you remain responsible for all
outstanding monitoring requirements and mitigation measures required under the terms of the
permit for take that occurs prior to cancellation, expiration, suspension, or revocation of the permit.
(11) You are responsible for ensuring that the permitted activity is in compliance with all Federal, Tribal,
State, and local laws and regulations applicable to eagles.
(c) Applying for a permit to take eagle nests.
(1) If the take is necessary to address an immediate threat to human or eagle safety, contact your local
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Migratory Bird Permit Office at the earliest possible
opportunity to inform the Service of the emergency.
(2) Your application must consist of a completed application Form 3-200-72 and all required
attachments. Send applications to the Regional Director of the Region in which the disturbance
would occur—Attention: Migratory Bird Permit Office. You can find the current addresses for the
Regional Directors in § 2.2 of subchapter A of this chapter.
(d) Evaluation of applications. In determining whether to issue a permit, we will evaluate:
(1) Whether the activity meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section;
(2) The direct and indirect effects of the take and required mitigation, together with the cumulative
effects of other permitted take and additional factors affecting eagle populations;
(3) Whether there is a practicable alternative to nest removal that will protect the interest to be served;
(4) Whether issuing the permit would preclude the Service from authorizing another take necessary to
protect an interest of higher priority, as set forth in paragraph (e)(5) of this section;
(5) For take that is not necessary to alleviate an immediate safety emergency, whether suitable nesting
and foraging habitat is available to accommodate eagles displaced by the nest removal; and
(6) Any additional factors that may be relevant to our decision whether to issue the permit, including, but
not limited to, the cultural significance of a local eagle population.
(e) Required determinations. Before issuing a permit under this section, we must find that:
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50 CFR 22.85(e)(1)

(1) The direct and indirect effects of the take and required mitigation, together with the cumulative
effects of other permitted take and additional factors affecting eagle populations, are compatible
with the preservation of the bald eagle or the golden eagle.
(2) For alternate nests:
(i)

The take is necessary to ensure public health and safety;

(ii) The nest is built on a human-engineered structure and creates, or is likely to create, a functional
hazard that renders the structure inoperable for its intended use; or
(iii) The take is necessary to protect an interest in a particular locality, and the activity necessitating
the take or the mitigation for the take will, with reasonable certainty, provide a net benefit to
eagles.
(3) For in-use nests prior to egg-laying, the nest is built on a human-engineered structure and creates, or
is likely to create, a functional hazard that renders the structure inoperable for its intended use.
(4) For in-use nests, the take is necessary to alleviate an existing safety emergency, or to prevent a
rapidly developing safety emergency that is otherwise likely to result in bodily harm to humans or
eagles while the nest is still in use by eagles for breeding purposes.
(5) There is no practicable alternative to nest removal that would protect the interest to be served.
(6) Issuing the permit will not preclude the Service from authorizing another take necessary to protect
an interest of higher priority, according to the following prioritization order:
(i)

Safety emergencies;

(ii) Increased need for traditionally practiced Native American tribal religious use that requires
taking eagles from the wild;
(iii) Non-emergency activities necessary to ensure public health and safety;
(iv) Resource development or recovery operations (under § 22.75, for golden eagle nests only); and
(v) Other interests.
(f) Tenure of permits. The tenure of any permit to take eagle nests under this section is set forth on the face
of the permit and will not be longer than 5 years.
[74 FR 46877, Sept. 11, 2009, as amended at 81 FR 91553, Dec. 16, 2016. Redesignated at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022; 87 FR 885,
Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.90 Permits for bald eagle take exempted under the Endangered Species Act.
(a) Purpose and scope. This permit authorizes take of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in compliance
with the terms and conditions of a section 7 incidental take statement under the Endangered Species Act
of 1973, as amended (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; 50 CFR 402, Subpart B) issued prior to the effective
date of 50 CFR 22.80.
(b) Issuance criteria. Before issuing you a permit under this section, we must find that you are in full
compliance with the terms and conditions contained in the applicable ESA incidental take statement
issued prior to the effective date of 50 CFR 22.80 for take of eagles, based on your certification and any
other relevant information available to us, including, but not limited to, monitoring or progress reports
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50 CFR 22.90(c)

required pursuant to your incidental take statement. The terms and conditions of the Eagle Act permit
under this section, including any modified terms and conditions, must be compatible with the preservation
of the bald eagle.
(c) Permit conditions.
(1) You must comply with all terms and conditions of the incidental take statement issued under section
7 of the ESA, or modified measures specified in the terms of your permit issued under this section.
At permit issuance or at any time during its tenure, the Service may modify the terms and conditions
that were included in your ESA incidental take statement, based on one or more of the following
factors:
(i)

You requested and received modified measures because some of the requirements for take
authorization under the ESA were not necessary for take authorization under the Eagle Act;

(ii) The amount or extent of incidental take authorized under the take statement is exceeded;
(iii) New information reveals effects of the action that may affect eagles in a manner or to an extent
not previously considered, and requires modification of the terms and conditions to ensure the
preservation of the bald eagle or the golden eagle; or
(iv) The activity will be modified by the permittee in a manner that causes effects to eagles that
were not previously considered and which requires modification of the terms and conditions in
the incidental take statement in order to ensure the preservation of the bald eagle or the golden
eagle.
(2) During any period when the eagles covered by your incidental take statement are listed under the
ESA, you must comply with the terms and conditions of both the incidental take statement and the
permit issued under this section.
(d) Permit duration. The permit will be valid until the action that will take eagles, as described in the incidental
take statement or modified to condition the permit issued under this section, is completed, as long as the
permittee complies with the terms and conditions of the permit, including any modified terms and
conditions.
(e) Applying for an eagle take permit.
(1) Your application must consist of a copy of the applicable section 7 incidental take statement issued
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and a signed certification that you are in full
compliance with all terms and conditions of the ESA incidental take statement.
(2) If you request reevaluation of the terms and conditions required under your previously granted ESA
incidental take statement for eagles, you must include a description of the modifications you
request, and an explanation for why you believe the original conditions or measures are not
reasonably justified to offset the detrimental impact of the permitted activity on eagles.
(3) Send completed permit applications to the Regional Director of the Region in which the disturbance
would occur—Attention: Migratory Bird Permit Office. You can find the current addresses for the
Regional Directors in § 2.2 of subchapter A of this chapter.
[73 FR 29083, May 20, 2008; 74 FR 46879, Sept. 11, 2009. Redesignated at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022; 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022]

50 CFR 22.90(e)(3) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 22 (up to date as of 8/21/2023)
Eagle Permits

50 CFR 22.100

Subpart D—Provisions for Depredating Eagles
Source: 39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022 unless otherwise noted.

§ 22.100 Eagle depredation permits.
(a) How do I apply for a permit? You must submit applications for permits under this section to the
appropriate Regional Director—Attention: Migratory Bird Permit Office. You can find addresses for the
appropriate Regional Directors in 50 CFR 2.2. Your application must contain the information and
certification required by § 13.12(a) of this subchapter, and the following additional information:
(1) Species and number of eagles proposed to be taken;
(2) Location and description of property where taking is proposed;
(3) Inclusive dates for which permit is requested;
(4) Method of taking proposed;
(5) Kind and number of livestock or domestic animals owned by applicant, if applicable;
(6) Kind and amount of alleged damage, or description of the risk posed to human health and safety or
eagles; and
(7) Name, address, age, and business relationship with applicant of any person the applicant proposes
to act for him as his agent in the taking of such eagles.
(b) What are the permit conditions? In addition to the general conditions set forth in part 13 of this subchapter
B, permits to take bald or golden eagles under this section are subject to the following conditions:
(1) Bald or golden eagles may be taken under permit by firearms, traps, or other suitable means except
by poison or from aircraft;
(2) The taking of eagles under permit may be done only by the permittee or his agents named in the
permit;
(3) Any eagle taken under authority of such permit will be promptly turned over to a Service agent or
other game law enforcement officer designated in the permit; and
(4) In addition to any reporting requirement on a permit, you must submit a report of activities
conducted under the permit to the appropriate Regional Director—Attention: Migratory Bird Permit
Office within 10 days following completion of the taking operations or the expiration of the permit,
whichever occurs first.
(c) Issuance criteria. The Director will not issue a permit to take bald or golden eagles unless the Director has
determined that such taking is compatible with the preservation of the bald or golden eagle. In making
such determination, the Director will consider the following:
(1) The direct or indirect effect which issuing such permit would be likely to have upon the wild
population of bald or golden eagles;

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50 CFR Part 22 (up to date as of 8/21/2023)
Eagle Permits

50 CFR 22.100(c)(2)

(2) Whether evidence shows that bald or golden eagles have in fact become seriously injurious to
wildlife or to agriculture or other interests in the particular locality to be covered by the permit and
the injury complained of is substantial, or that bald or golden eagles pose a significant risk to human
or eagle health and safety; and
(3) Whether the only way to abate or prevent the damage caused by the bald or golden eagle is to take
some or all of the offending birds.
(d) Tenure of permits. The tenure of any permit to take bald or golden eagles under this section is that shown
on the face of the permit. We will not issue these permits for terms longer than 90 days, except that
permits to authorize disturbance associated with hazing eagles from the vicinity may be valid for up to 5
years. We may amend, suspend, or revoke permits issued for a period of longer than 90 days if new
information indicates that revised permit conditions are necessary, or that suspension or revocation is
necessary, to safeguard local or regional eagle populations.
[39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 63 FR 52638, Oct. 1, 1998; 64 FR 50473, Sept. 17, 1999; 74 FR 46876, Sept. 11, 2009.
Redesignated at 87 FR 884, Jan. 7, 2022; 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.120 Golden eagle depredations control order on request of Governor of a State.
(a) Whenever the Governor of any State requests permission to take golden eagles to seasonally protect
domesticated flocks and herds in such State, the Director shall make an investigation and if he
determines that such taking is necessary to and will seasonally protect domesticated flocks and herds in
such States he shall authorize such taking in whatever part or parts of the State and for such periods as
he determines necessary to protect such interests.
(b) Requests from the Governor of a State to take golden eagles to seasonally protect domesticated flocks
and herds must be submitted in writing to the Director listing the periods of time during which the taking
of such birds is recommended, and including a map of the State indicating the boundaries of the
proposed area of taking. Such requests should include a statement of the facts and the source of such
facts that in the Governor's opinion justifies the request. After a decision by the Director, the Governor will
be advised in writing concerning the request and a notice will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
[39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022. Redesignated 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022]

§ 22.122 Conditions and limitations on taking under depredation control order.
(a) Whenever the taking of golden eagles without a permit is authorized for the seasonal protection of
livestock, such birds may be taken by firearms, traps, or other suitable means except by poison or from
aircraft.
(b) Any person exercising any of the privileges granted by this subpart D must permit all reasonable times,
including during actual operations, any Service agent, or other game law enforcement officer free and
unrestricted access over the premises on which such operations have been or are being conducted; and
shall furnish promptly to such officer whatever information he may require concerning such operations.
(c) The authority to take golden eagles under a depredations control order issued pursuant to this subpart D
only authorizes the taking of golden eagles when necessary to seasonally protect domesticated flocks
and herds, and all such birds taken must be reported and turned over to a local Bureau Agent.
[39 FR 1183, Jan. 4, 1974, as amended at 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022. Redesignated 87 FR 885, Jan. 7, 2022]
50 CFR 22.122(c) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 22 (up to date as of 8/21/2023)
Eagle Permits

50 CFR 22.122(c) (enhanced display)

50 CFR 22.122(c)

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