Bald eagle population makes major recovery

MADISON, Wis. — Bald eagle populations across the state have made a major recovery over the past 45 years thanks in part to environmental regulations.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the national ban on the pesticide DDT, public support of nest monitoring and protection efforts and additional protections provided by state and federal endangered species laws have given the animal’s population the needed room to grow. In 1997 bald eagles were taken off of the Wisconsin endangered species list, and they were taken off the federal list a decade later.

There are 13 active bald eagle nests in Dane County and over 1,500 nests throughout the entire state. Milwaukee County is the only county in the state without any documented active bald eagle nests.

To find information about eagle watching events throughout the state, visit the DNR’s website.