Commissioners give preliminary approval to $2,500 fine.

Those who kill golden and bald eagles could face stiffer penalties under Pennsylvania law.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a measure that would increase to $2,500 the replacement cost for killing bald eagles or golden eagles.

The bald eagle had been classified as a state-threatened species until early 2014 when, it was removed from the threatened list because its recovery met objectives outlined in the state's bald-eagle management plan.

While golden and bald eagles both remain protected by federal and state law, the fact that neither bird was classified as threatened meant that killing a golden or bald eagle resulted at the state level in $200 in replacement cost. Replacement costs are restitution for unlawfully killed wildlife and typically are paid in addition to fines.

Commissioners said the $2,500 replacement cost emphasizes that although golden and bald eagles are recovered in Pennsylvania, they still require further protection.