Bald eagles have grown their ranks in recent years, recovering from low numbers and increasing their population to over 300,000 in the lower 48 states of the United States, according to a report released on Wednesday.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service “estimated 316,700 bald eagles were present in the four EMUs in the 2019 breeding season, 4.4 times more eagles than in 2009.” In 2007, the birds were removed from the list of Threatened and Endangered species after being at risk of extinction forty years ago.
The eagles had almost entirely disappeared from the nation years ago, but they are now spotted often, especially in the northern regions of the Midwest. “Bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website.
The Associated Press reports that Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, in her first public event since being sworn in last week, said, “The strong return of this treasured bird reminds us of our nation’s shared resilience and the importance of being responsible stewards of our lands and waters that bind us together.”
“It is clear that the bald eagle population continues to thrive,” Haaland said, calling the bird’s revival a “success story” that “is a testament to the enduring importance of the work of the Interior Department scientists and conservationists. This work could not have been done without teams of people collecting and analyzing decades’ worth of science … accurately estimating the bald eagle population here in the United States.”
She said that it “is also a moment to reflect on the importance of the Endangered Species Act, a vital tool in the efforts to protect America’s wildlife …” Haaland noted that her team will look into moves made by the previous administration “to undermine key provisions” of the endangered species law, the AP notes, although she did not point to any specific actions.
“We will be taking a closer look at all of those revisions and considering what steps to take to ensure that all of us — states, Indian tribes, private landowners and federal agencies — have the tools we need to conserve America’s natural heritage and strengthen our economy,” Haaland said.
“We have an obligation to do so because future generations must also experience our beautiful outdoors, the way many of us have been blessed,” she added.
Martha Williams is the deputy director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Williams named the recovery of the bird “one of the most remarkable conservation success stories of all time” and said she hopes all Americans get the opportunity to see one of them flying, adding,“They’re magnificent to see …”
Haaland was sworn in last week and is the country’s first Native American Cabinet Secretary, but her confirmation was met with some disapproval from Republicans.
The Daily Wire reports, “Several Republicans have described Haaland’s personal views as ‘radical,’ citing her support for the Green New Deal and opposition to resource development and fossil fuel extraction on public lands. During her two-day confirmation hearing in February, GOP leaders questioned Haaland on her environmental stances, which they said would negatively impact some states and could leave workers currently employed by extraction industries without jobs.”
Secretary Haaland took over the U.S. Department of the Interior, which, according to its website, “uses sound science to manage and sustain America’s lands, water, wildlife, and energy resources, honors our nation’s responsibilities to tribal nations, and advocates for America’s island communities.”