Bald Eagles

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is an iconic species in the United States, and is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. This act prohibits the taking, possession, sale, barter, trade, import, export, and transport of bald eagles and their parts, nests, and eggs. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 also protects bald eagles and other migratory birds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has designated bald eagles as a “Threatened” species. This means that the species is not currently endangered, but is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. The USFWS has implemented a “recovery plan” for the bald eagle, which includes reintroducing the species to areas where it has been extirpated, monitoring the population, and providing protection for nesting areas.

The USFWS also works with state, federal, and tribal agencies to protect bald eagles from threats such as habitat loss, illegal shooting, and poisoning. In addition, the USFWS has established a network of refuges and sanctuaries that provide protection and habitat for bald eagles. The USFWS also works with private landowners to provide habitat and protection for bald eagles on private lands.

Bald eagles are also protected under the Endangered Species Act, which prohibits the “take” of any species listed as endangered or threatened. The USFWS also administers the Bald Eagle Management Program, which works to protect bald eagles and their habitat through education and monitoring.

By protecting bald eagles from threats and providing them with suitable habitat, the USFWS is helping to ensure that this species continues to thrive in the United States. Learn more about the USFWS’s bald eagle protection efforts.