ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, Maine – The three individuals photographed violating a wildlife protection closure in Acadia National Park have been identified and now face up to six months in prison for their actions.
Bangor Daily News reports that the three hikers facing the chargers are 22-year-old Levi Brown, 20-year-old Cooper Boucher, and 19-year-old Jillian McLellan, all three from inside the state. They were photographed hiking on the Precipice Trail, which has been closed for months to support the protection of Peregrine Falcons. All three will be charged with federal violation of a superintendent’s closure, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum punishment of six months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
According to Acadia National Park, much of the east face of Champlain Mountain is closed to protect Peregrine Falcons, their nesting sites, and the surrounding habitat. That closure includes the Precipice Trail. Peregrine Falcons are federally protected under 16 U.S.C. §§703-712, or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
“Research has shown that nesting peregrine falcons are particularly vulnerable to human activities, which can disturb the adults and make them less attentive to the eggs or chicks. Human activities near a nesting area can lead to temporary or permanent abandonment of the nest by the adults leaving chicks susceptible to hypothermia, starvation, and predation.“
