Shooting a Bald Eagle in Mexico: U.S. & Mexican Laws Both Apply

The Bald Eagle is protected under U.S. law (Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 1940) and Mexican law (General Wildlife Law). Shooting one in Mexico triggers liability in both jurisdictions.

U.S. Law (Extraterritorial Reach)

• BGEPA (16 U.S.C. 668-668d): Prohibits "take" (kill, wound, disturb, possess, transport) of bald/golden eagles, wherever committed — including foreign nations.
• Enforcement: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) investigates; can refer to DOJ for prosecution in U.S. federal court.
• Penalties (Civil/Criminal): Up to $250,000 fine (individual), $500,000 (org), 2 years prison per violation (felony). Restitution, forfeiture of equipment.

Mexican Law

• General Wildlife Law (Ley General de Vida Silvestre): Prohibits hunting, capture, killing, trade of all wild raptors (including Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
• Penalties: Fines (thousands to millions of MXN), up to 9 years prison (Art. 132), confiscation, license revocation.
• Enforcement: PROFEPA (Environmental Protection Agency), SEMARNAT, Federal Police.

Practical Reality

• Bald eagles are rare vagrants in Mexico (mostly winter in NW: Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua).
• If shot, Mexican authorities would lead investigation; USFWS would coordinate/assist.
• Dual prosecution is legally possible (separate sovereigns).
• Civil suits by conservation NGOs possible in both countries.

Bottom Line

Don't shoot eagles anywhere. In Mexico, you face Mexican prison and U.S. federal felony charges. The BGEPA’s extraterritorial clause is unique and aggressively enforced for this national symbol.