Bald Eagle Endangered
Massive depopulation due to loss of habitat, shooting and pesticide contamination resulted in a dramatic fall in population and made the Bald Eagle endangered. Compared to the Bald Eagle population in the 18th century, reaching 500,000 wild species, there were less than 1000 wild Eagles left in the 1960s, and there was a real threat that the species would disappear within a few years. The 1940 Bald Eagle Protection Act was reconsidered in 1967 to strictly prohibit eagle hunting, trade and possession, which created a good opportunity to stop the killing and boost the bird’s revival.
American Bald Eagles are common throughout North America, covering a vast range from northern Mexico to Alaska. The largest population groups can be found on the Alaskan northwest coast and Canadian British Columbia. Bald Eagles are mostly concentrated near water, because they feed primarily on fish. These birds can also feed on rabbits, hares, raccoons, other birds etc, as well as fallen animals, especially during seasons when food is less available. Deforestation has been a severe blow to the Eagle’s population, resulting in massive species displacement and starvation, which is also a common cause of death. Although Bald Eagles are no longer endangered, they are still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Bald Eagles possess a very charming appearance, and they bear an enormous symbolic meaning to the nation. The Bald Eagle was accepted as a national emblem in 1785, during the American Revolution, and since then it is present as a symbol on various things, including medals, coins, seals, buckles and so forth. Most important, its image is included in the Seal of the President of the United States. All the more frustrating and weird it is to hear about the Bald Eagle endangered in a country where it is presented as a national symbol.
The American Bald Eagle is famous for his size and strength, which make him a great hunter. Bald Eagles have a sharp vision and can see many miles around them. They prefer to stay away from humans, and usually build nests in remote and densely grown areas or near water. Being monogamous, couples mate for life and both the male and the female are equally active in maintaining their young. Adult Bald Eagles have white heads and tails, yellow beaks and feet and brown feathering over the rest of the body. Juvenile Eagles’ heads and tails are brown, and they turn white as the bird matures. American Bald Eagles live about 30 years. As they seem to have been saved from total destruction, there is a hope that we will never have to use the phrase “Bald Eagle Endangered” in future.
