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.The fine came into question recently when a Lehighton man pleaded guilty May 12 to shooting and killing a bald eagle outside Andreas.According to court records, Carl Marion, 46, paid around $4,500 in fines and court costs.Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife conservation officer Joel Gibble received a call from a person who reported hearing a gunshot and finding an injured eagle, which died shortly thereafter.He responded to the scene near the intersection of Germans Road and Stone Mountain Road, spoke to the witness and recovered the bird.The investigation led Gibble to Marion, and the remains of five great blue herons were located near his property.Marion was charged with one count of disturbance of wildlife and six counts of the unlawful taking of protected birds.A $1,700 fine was assessed for the disturbance of wildlife charge, while the unlawful taking charges cost Marion $400 per bird.