Navajo Nation officials are investigating the deaths of eight predatory birds that were shot and dumped on the outskirts of Tohatchi.
The Gallup Independent reports that tribal Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation officer Eddie Benally says he was angry when he found the birds Oct. 10.
The hawks and prairie falcon all were missing tail feathers. Benally thinks whoever killed the birds likely is selling the feathers on the black market.
He says there's a demand for the feathers for Native American rituals, which traditionally were collected without killing the birds. They're legally available through predatory bird repositories, but the waiting list is long.
Raptors are protected under tribal, state and federal laws.
The Navajo Nation is offering a reward for information about the bird poacher.
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