American Bald Eagle Off Endangered Species List

The symbol of America, the bald eagle has been taken off the endangered species list. A national emblem since 1792, the icon has been under government protection since 1940 and was a charter member covered by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

In 1963, the bald eagle reached a low of 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. Today the nesting pairs number 10,000. During the years that the bald eagle was on the endangered species list, Alaska continued to have the largest population of bald eagles. Because of the environment of water, lots of fish to eat and trees to nest in , it was a perfect breeding area. The eagle will continue to be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. According to the Federal Wildlife Laws Handbook , the Bald Eagle Protection Act prohibits a plan to pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb their nests or eggs. A single violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is a misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is one year imprisonment and a fine of either $100,000, or twice the financial gain or loss caused by the offense.

The major cause of the decline in population for the bald eagles was the use of the chemical, DDT. Where ever this chemical was used was dangerous for the eagles. DDT washed off into waterways and was absorbed by aquatic plants, fish and other animals. Eagles would then eat the contaminated fish. DDT also prevented production of calcium needed for strong eggshells and the eggs started cracking when adult eagles tried to incubate them. The state of Alaska has never used the chemical DDT , that is why they survived in population there.

According to the Division of Migratory Birds, to ensure that eagles continue to thrive, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will work with state wildlife agencies to monitor eagles for at least five years. If it appears that bald eagles again need the protection of the Endangered Species Act, the Service can propose to relist the species.