Casper police Tuesday found a golden eagle's head and talons in the coat pocket of a public intoxication suspect, police said.

Police said they found the eagle parts while searching Gerald Dyer Shakespeare, 52, at a Casper Village Inn. After his arrest, Shakespeare reportedly said, "How do you like my golden eagle, I just shot it."

The golden eagle is a nationally-protected species, and poaching the animal can carry up to one year in jail and $100,000 fine.

Wyoming Game and Fish spokeswoman Robin Kepple said game and fish officers have not yet decided to criminally charge Shakespeare for the head and talons, and plan to meet with U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials today.

Mike Echlebracht, an investigative unit supervisor for Game and Fish, said poaching golden eagles is a problem, but not one he sees that often.

"Every year we have a number of eagle shooting cases," Echlebracht said. "Everything from somebody decides they just want an eagle or eagle parts, to someone who thinks they are protecting their property and livestock."

Carrying eagle parts is also against the law, with the exception of American Indians for ceremonial purposes. American Indians can apply for permits through the federal government and receive eagle parts from the Federal Eagle Repository.

Shakespeare is listed as American Indian by the Natrona County Sheriff's Office.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a case involving a Northern Arapaho man who reportedly shot a bald eagle for use in his tribe's Sun Dance.

Shakespeare, 52, was arrested after refusing to leave the Durbin Street restaurant, police said.

Reach city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com