LAKE COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho – Every year our social media feeds are flooded with beautiful pictures of eagles on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Dozens of photographers capturing the stunning creature, but one local photographer is raising concerns over how some of the photos are taken.
“If we don’t respect them, we don’t treat them properly, they’re not going to be out here, they’re not going to want to hangout and let everyone be able to witness their beauty and greatness,” Hamilton said.
Peter Hamilton said he has seen photographers and bait the eagles. People are picking up fish and throwing them into the lake, prompting a picture perfect shot of the bird, he said.
“People will end up putting their camera in a position where they see the eagle. They’ll grab the fish, throw the fish into the water, which is a form of baiting,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton tells NonStop Local that this is unethical.
“There are lots of negative consequences not only for the individual animal but also at the population level,” Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer, Jacob Berl, said.
There could also be consequences for you if you kill game fish and use them as bait to lure eagles.
“It’s a citable offense. In addition to the fact that it could be an illegal activity for them to do it, we just encourage folks to not do that,” Berl said.
Berl says it also disrupts the bird’s natural behavior and could even transmit diseases.
Meanwhile, as Hamilton continues to capture these breathtaking photos, he has this message – “Be patient, wait, hang out. Don’t cause them any sort of added stress. It’s already stressful enough for them. Let them be who they want to be,” Hamilton said.
