Eagles hunt huge animals with people by their side

In the vast steppes of Central Asia, specifically Kazakhstan, hunters work with birds that have wingspans wider than a person is tall. For over 2,000 years, nomadic hunters known as *berkutchi* have forged a bond with golden eagles, training them to hunt foxes and hares, and occasionally to challenge larger animals like wolves.

The mechanism behind this ancient partnership relies on a deep understanding of eagle behavior and meticulous training. *Berkutchi* capture young female eagles, which are larger and more aggressive than males, and raise them from chicks. The training process can take years, involving conditioning the eagle to respond to specific calls, to perch on a heavy leather arm guard, and to attack designated prey. The hunter and eagle develop a profound mutual trust, which they need to coordinate hunts across challenging terrain.

When prey is sighted, the *berkutchi* releases the eagle. The bird soars high before diving at speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour during a stoop to strike their prey. The eagle's powerful talons can inflict serious injury, often targeting the animal's spine or head. This initial attack is usually followed by the hunter, often on horseback, closing in to finish the job. It's proof of the eagle's prowess that such large prey can occasionally be brought down in this manner.

This hunting method is more than just a means of survival; it's a cultural practice passed down through generations. The relationship between the *berkutchi* and their eagle is one of mutual respect and dependence. After about ten years of hunting, the eagles are traditionally released back into the wild to breed, ensuring the continuation of the species and the cyclical nature of this tradition. This practice highlights an ancient, complex form of interspecies cooperation, where two different apex predators work in concert to navigate their shared environment.