JACKSON, Wyo. — It has been nearly fifty years since the Endangered Species Act (ESA) passed. Perhaps one of the most notable success stories of the ESA is that of the bald eagle.
“In the mid-1900s, our national symbol was in danger of extinction throughout most of its range,” said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
“Bald eagle populations were negatively impacted by habitat destruction and degradation, as well as illegal shooting and the contamination of its food source – largely as a consequence of the insecticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, known as DDT.”
Photos: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail
Several actions allowed bald eagles to make a remarkable recovery such as habitat protection afforded by the ESA, the federal government’s banning of DDT and conservation actions taken by the American public. Today, bald eagle sightings are now often common during both the nesting season and throughout the winter.
In August 2007, bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list because their populations recovered sufficiently. However, they still remain protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Additionally, Grand Teton National Park considers the bird “a species of concern.”
In respect to its range, the bald eagle is truly an all-American bird and is the only eagle that is solely native to North America. Its historic range was from Alaska and Canada, across the contiguous United States and down to northern Mexico.
Read further about the bald eagle on the FWS website here.
