An investigation is ongoing, Alaska State Troopers say, after a man killed a raven and cut out the bird’s tongue, proceeding to eat it.
Juneau Police Department and Alaska State Troopers responded to the incident at 2:21 p.m. Monday in the 8700 block of Teal Street. According to Alaska State Troopers Communications Director Austin McDaniel, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded to the incident and determined that the man had killed the raven after it bit him while he was holding it. The man then ate the tongue of the deceased raven and disposed of its body, which was later recovered by JPD and AST, according to troopers.
McDaniel said in an email that the investigation is still ongoing and while no arrests have been made or citations issued at this time, charges may occur as the investigation develops. The man’s name was not released due to the lack of charges.
Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act killing, capturing, selling, trading and transporting protected bird species —including ravens —is illegal. Penalties for people who violate the act include a fine of up to $5,000 and six months imprisonment for misdemeanor offense and fines of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to two years for felony offenses, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Contact reporter Jonson Kuhn at jonson.kuhn@juneauempire.com.
