In the mid-1900s, our national symbol was in danger of extinction throughout most of its range.
In the mid-1900s, our national symbol was in danger of extinction throughout most of its range. Bald eagle populations were negatively impacted by habitat destruction and degradation, as well as illegal shooting and the contamination of their food source—largely from the insecticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, known as DDT. Habitat protection afforded by the ESA, the federal government’s banning of DDT, and conservation actions taken by the American public helped bald eagles make a remarkable recovery. They were removed from the list of endangered species in 2007. Bald eagle sightings are now common during both the nesting season and throughout the winter. The recovery of the bald eagle is a testament to the effectiveness of the ESA in conserving and recovering imperiled species.