The bald eagle, once teetering on the brink of extinction, has made a significant comeback in the United States.

Long a symbol of national pride, the raptor is experiencing a resurgence both in population and cultural significance. In December, then-President Joe Biden signed legislation officially designating the bald eagle as the country’s national bird—a title many assumed it already held. More recently, New Jersey removed the bald eagle from its endangered species list, marking another milestone in the bird’s revival.

Why It Matters

The bald eagle’s recovery is a rare environmental success story, demonstrating the impact of conservation efforts and policy changes. Once reduced to a single nesting pair in New Jersey in the 1980s, the state now boasts nearly 300 active nests. Nationwide, the birds have rebounded thanks to protective measures, habitat preservation, and a ban on harmful pesticides.

What To Know

The bald eagle’s decline was largely attributed to the widespread use of DDT, an insecticide that weakened eagle eggshells, leading to population collapse. The chemical was banned in 1972, setting the stage for recovery efforts. Conservationists employed innovative methods, such as removing eggs from nests for artificial incubat