Defenders' Experts
Bald Eagle Background and Recovery
The Bald Eagle has made a tremendous recovery over the past several decades thanks largely to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In June of 2007, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced the removal of the bald eagle from the list of species protected by the Endangered Species Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service will monitor bald eagles for a 5-year period as required by the Endangered Species Act. The announcement marked a successful milestone in the species’ recovery from the brink of extinction.
After their removal from the Endangered Species Act, bald eagles will be primarily protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and its implementing regulations prohibit the take of bald eagles, which includes activities that are likely to interfere with eagles’ breeding, feeding or sheltering behavior, or result in injury, death, or nest abandonment. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act further protects bald eagles and their eggs, nests and feathers by prohibiting killing, taking, or possession of eagles without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Prior to the announcement of the removal of the birds from the ESA, the Fish and Wildlife Service clarified its regulations implementing the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and published the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. These measures are designed to give landowners and others information and guidance on how to make sure their actions are consistent with the two laws under which bald eagles are now protected. The Fish and Wildlife Service also announced a proposal to create a permit program to authorize limited take of bald and golden eagles.
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