Most experts expected the bald eagle to become extinct
during the 20th century, but this American symbol has
since reversed its decline and begun to recover. Experts
realized in 1940 that the species had become endangered,
and a law was passed to offer it protection from hunters-
the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Even after
the hunting stopped, there was still a decline in numbers
due to the rampant use of DDT. The bald eagle was included
on the endangered species list in 1973, and the species
hit a low point in 1963 with only 417 breeding pairs.
Instead of the expected extinction of the species, the
bald eagle has executed a miraculous rise in the number
of breeding pairs. The more than 9,000 breeding pairs
that exist today have made experts drop the species
from the list of endangered species. Wildlife experts,
however, will not be abandoning the bald eagle. For
another five years, or more, the bald eagle will continue
to be tracked and watched for any decline. The monitoring
will enable the research community to be aware of any
changes in numbers, and for inclusion into the endangered
species list if necessary.
Even without being reclassified as endangered, the Bald
and Golden Eagle Protection Act is still there to keep
the animal from being hunted. The Migratory Bird Treaty
Act of 1918 has offers still more protection to the
bald eagle. The act was passed to protect migratory
birds, such as the bald eagle, in other countries that
share birds with the U.S. due to migration. For eagles
that make their way into Canada or Mexico, the treaty
is in effect in those countries to stop the trade of
eagle feathers, eggs and other parts that could make
the hunting of eagles lucrative.
The 1972 ban on the use of DDT has also done much to
protect bald eagles. DDT traveled up the food chain
to the bald eagle, and other animals, causing a steep
decline in the number of breeding pairs. DDT caused
a serious decline in bald eagle numbers, becoming a
major contributor to the species’ near extinction. This
chemical eventually made its way from the waterways
and into the eagles. Eagles then caught the contaminated
fish living in these waters. The affected eagles were
unable to produce eggshells that were hard enough to
keep from cracking before the incubation period was
over. DDT devastated the bald eagle population, as mother
eagles were unable to incubate the thin eggs, often
cracking them in the nest. Today the threat of DDT is
largely over and bald eagles can catch fish, roam the
skies and keep increasing their numbers.
Most experts expected the bald eagle to become extinct
during the 20th century, but this American symbol has
since reversed its decline and begun to recover Experts
realized in 1940 that the species had become endangered,
and a law was passed to offer it protection from hunters-
the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
About the Author
For bald
eagle facts and other bald eagle info please visit
Oodles On Bald Eagles.
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