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Anthony Rubino, Reverend Brown School

Sussex County


Image of Bald eagle.Bald eagle. Anthony Rubino


Bald Eagle


From the 1950s – 1970s, scientists became worried by a drastic drop in the bald eagle populations. These drops were found to be caused by habitat loss, the cutting of tall trees used nesting, and the impact of pesticides, like DDT, on the bald eagle eggs.

The plight of the bald eagle, out nation’s symbol, made American pass the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Although they were declared an endangered species in 1967, laws were put into effect to protect them when the act was passed. These laws made it illegal for people to take eagles, parts of eagles, nests, eggs, and destroying areas where the bald eagle is known to next or habitat. This allowed the bald eagle population to grow over the years and in 1995 the eagles status changes from endangered to threatened. They are now found in every state and have over 5,800 recorded nesting pairs. This makes them an Endangered Species Act success story.

The scientific name for the bald eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalis. Bald eagles eat mostly fish, and other water animals. Bald eagles will make a meal of muskrat, turtles, carrion, and other small rodents. Due to their main diet, their nests are usually close to bodies of water and positioned high in tree tops. This helps in hunting for food and protecting their young. Their nests are made from large sticks and are strong enough to last through the year. Bald eagle pairs are known to return to the same nest year after year.

Written by: Anthony Rubino
Reverend Brown School
Sparta, NJ
Teacher: Mrs. Leavy

References
1. www.conservewildlifenj.org
2. www.stopextinction.org
3. www.baldeagleinfo.org