History

In Georgia, bald eagle nests were once fairly common, but during the 20th century the bald eagle population declined severely. The most probable causes are: habitat disturbance, persecution, and contamination. Most of the contamination was caused by the pesticide DDT, the effect of this pesticide was thin egg shells that would crack under the parents weight.  Contamination was also caused by other pesticides and heavy metals, as well as other pollutants. In 1971 there were no know nest in Georgia and they were described as a "rare winter visitor". The bald eagle had been on the Endangered Species List since 1967, and in 1973 the federal Endangered Species Act was passed. This law protects all endangered and threatened animals listed on the Endangered Species List. That same year, a ban on DDT took effect in the United States. Five years later, in 1978, a nest was once again discovered in Georgia, and in 1981 there were two known nests. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has released over 89 bald eagles since 1979, and the population is growing stronger every year naturally, as well as through reintroduction. In 1990 there were just 9 known nests, but by 1994, in just 4 years, the number had climbed to 24. 1n 1998 there were 37, and in 2002 73 nests were counted. At the end of last years nesting season, the number had grown to 81.
 Today, the population is still growing. One reason is because after discovering how harmful DDT is to the environment, we have become more conscious of how overuse of these chemicals is harmful to the wildlife population and even to humans. Another reason is stiff penalties and fines for shooting, trapping or poaching bald eagles. It is also illegal to be in possession of a bald eagle feather, nest, or egg unless you have a special permit. Another exception is federally recognized Native Americans, since bald eagles are part of the traditional Native American culture. If you are found in possession of any of these things you could be fined up to $10,000 dollars. You could also be imprisoned for several years. 

Bald Eagles Today

Unfortunately, despite the bald eagles rapid comeback, they are still being harmed by various cause. One of the most important of these is habitat destruction. Another is poison and contamination. Although DDT has been banned in the United States, it is still being used in South America, and there are still other chemicals and pesticides in use that are dangerous to bald eagles. Disease is another threat. A mysterious disease has killed many bald eagles in the last decade. Researchers believe that bald eagles are contracting the disease, called Avian Vacuolar Mylinopathy or VM or short, by eating infected coots, a type of waterfowl. Evidence shows that this disease is most likely caused by something, either natural or man made, in the environment. VM causes lesions in the white brain matter, this cause disorientation and awkwardness. Eventually, the disease leads to death. The first known case was discovered in a bald eagle, but now other types of waterfowl, including several breeds of ducks are becoming infected. Other threats include guns and traps, and power lines. Although the bald eagle is still considered to be endangered in Georgia, it has been federally down-listed to threatened, since there are now over 5800 nesting pairs in the United States. As a threatened species it is still protected under the Endangered Species Act, but, sometime in the near future it could be de-listed completely. If this happens, they will no longer be protected by the Endangered Species Act, but they will still be protected by other laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act. They will also be monitored for a 5 year period, and if the population starts to decline or if anything goes wrong the will be placed back on the Endangered Species List.