By the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, the United States government decided to protect the bald eagle under a new law called the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This made it illegal to kill the birds as well as threatening the sustainability of their habitats. The National Wildlife Federation is one of many organizations that has helped the bald eagle the most. From 1,000 left in the lower 48 states in the 70’s to 12,000 eagles today, the bald eagle being put on the endangered species list was the best thing that could have happened.
Baby bald eagles are generally lightly colored in their youth, but eventually grow dark brown and white feathers.
- Current Status
On June 28, 2007 the Interior Department took the American bald eagle off the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, however the majestic bird will still be protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
- What happened?
Around the late 60's and 70's, ranchers and farmers began deliberately killing bald eagles, thinking the bird was the reason for the numerous deaths of farm animals. But this is not the case. Pollution also began lowering the eagle population in North America, especially a chemical used on plants to kill insects called DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane).
Bald eagles are found throughout most of North America, preferring to make their homes in large trees near bodies of water. They have not been seen in any other country in the world.
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
SAVE THE BALD EAGLE
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