Safe From Extinction

The American bald eagle, USA’s national symbol, was removed from the endangered species list last week. While the bird’s fight for survival might not interest you, the fact that something good was in the news for a change really spiked my interest. It may not directly affect you that the spiky-haired bird has finally reproduced enough to stay alive, but I did vow to keep you informed and I’d also like to keep you in the know.

Although it may not make the list of your favorite animals, the bald eagle is a symbol of American freedom, spirit and patriotism since it was selected by our Founding Fathers in the late 1700’s.

The American icon has been fighting for survival for more than four decades and was officially listed as endangered in 1967 by the Federal Endangered Species Act. The Department of Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided last Thursday that the birds are no longer in danger of extinction. They are, however, still a protected species and it is illegal to harm one.

According to an Associated Press story that ran in the Palm Beach Post, there are nearly 10,000 bald eagles in the United States today, compared to a documented 417 in 1963 when the bird was on the verge of extinction.

According to www.eagles.org, the bald eagle was declared the national emblem of the United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1782. Ben Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be the national bird. Thankfully, he didn’t exactly get his way - Thanksgiving would never be the same.

You can also visit the site for a birds-eye view with its Eagle Nest Cam and listen to the voice of an eagle.