Believe it or not, the bald eagle is now off the endangered species list! How often do we hear good news concerning endangered species? In 1963 there were only about 400 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states! Today there are around 10,000 pairs! I would say that is a success story.
Again, some of you younger readers may not know the cause of these low numbers in the '60s. The rapid decrease in population was due mainly to the pesticide DDT. The DDT built up in the eagles and that caused them to lay eggs that had weak shells. The eagles were placed under protection in 1967 (The year I was born!).
Hopefully more species will follow in the footsteps of the bald eagle! Wouldn't it be great to have more positive news concerning our national wildlife?
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