Environmental Issues

The Bald Eagle has its origins from the North American landmass. The bird, often referred to as the American eagle based on its origins, is the only bird to be specifically found in North America alone. It was given the name Halo-Aeetos-Leukos which meant a sea eagle with a white head. At that time, the prevalent culture was that the word bald signified the color white. These distinctive birds have an evident appearance difference from other eagles. Classified as part of the hawk family, Bald Eagles are known to be birds of prey. Adult eagles have the characteristics of an evenly brown coat, with a distinctively white head and tail. Females are generally found to be 25 larger than a male eagle. Their legs seem as if they were designed for hunting. Their toes are equipped with talons, which are used to pierce the hanging body of the prey within the grasp of the feet of the bird. Their beaks are hooked and designed for piercing angles as well.

Bald eagles can often measure lengths up to 28-40 inches. Their wingspan can encompass 2.44 meters in between them however, these factors are largely dependent on size. Bald Eagles in Florida are smaller with lesser wingspans. Similarly, ages can vary with location as well. Generally though, a Bald Eagle can live up till 30 years in wild environments.

Endangerment of the species
The Bald Eagles Habitat is majorly in the State of Alaska, where over 70,000 Bald Eagles can be found. This is further augmented by the region of British Columbia where another 20,000 birds can be found. The area has been a flourishing den for the animals as this habitat provided them with ample food salmon and dead fish.  However, in 1967, a sharp decrease in the number of Bald eagles was noticed. Before the 1973 Endangered Species Act was launched, Bald Eagles had already been declared an endangered species in many states across the southern part of the United States.  Though most States had linked the Bald Eagles to near extinction, some States mentioned them as threatened species.

Researchers have cited different evidence regarding the diminishing population of the Bald eagles. Based on consensus, the major reason for decline of the Bald Eagles has been human population itself. Since humans and Bald Eagles compete for the same form of food, Bald Eagles were out hunted with the technology that man has. The ecosystem became unbalanced as man caught more fish than was needed and over fished in regions necessary for the survival of the Bald Eagles. This trend became even worse when Alaskan fishermen killed over 100,000 thousand Bald Eagles during 1917-1953 based on the idea that they were a threat to their fishing businesses.

When the species was noticed as becoming extinct, laws and legislations helped protect them but that could not save them from the contamination and harassment from human influences. The use of heavy pesticides that were being used on agricultural produced was consumed in one way or the other by Bald Eagles. Their reproduction cycles and rates were drastically effected. The breeding cycles of the Bald Eagles were drastically effected, leading them to decrease breeding eventually due to low fertility and high death rates.

Importance of the Bald Eagle
The Bald eagle is not only an animal but a representation of the American Culture. In 1782, June 20th, the Bald Eagle was chosen to represent America as a national emblem and seal. Though many would feel the picture is flashy and in nature, the truth is that this picture is a symbol for the reality of the American people and the American way of life.

In my opinion, the Bald Eagle is a representation of the American Culture. As the Eagle soars high, with freedom with majestic flight and enormous strength, it symbolizes the mentality of the then Young America and the aspiration of the people at the time. Thus, the bald eagle is more like a heritage to society. The Bald eagle represents the freedom, liberty and strength as personification of the freedom, liberty and strength that the people of America enjoy.

To me, the Bald eagle is part of our national heritage. It reflects the views, perceptions and aspirations of our forefathers who created the very homeland we live in. The emphasis must have been on the soaring ability of the eagle. Perhaps, at that time, they felt that America too was ready to fly into the annals of history at the highest of heights and the greatest of strengths. Thus, the American Bald Eagle represents not only our official seal, but also the philosophy of the American Federation.

Conclusion
Preserving the bald eagle becomes a responsibility upon us all. Since the symbol represents the core values of America, saving the Bald Eagles is like, in my opinion, valuing and saving the philosophy of America itself. Given that very few species come out of the endangered list, with the Bald Eagle one of them, our resolve is unquestionable. That is something we must cherish in this day and age, with the hideous nature of terrorist bent on doing the same thing to us, as we are doing to the Bald Eagles.

The eagle represents freedom. It represents the freedom of the American public.  Thus, it is important to understand our role in life and to mend our ways before we destroy this heritage of the American people. First of all, I feel that people should be more considerate about their environment. Over fishing, greed and consumerism can only go so far until it starts hurting the environment. Over fishing and hunting is one of the main causes of the endangerment to Bald eagles.  The unfair use of pesticides and un-careful spraying across the environment is highly irresponsible behavior.  These are manmade factors that can be controlled simply by a change in mentality. If everyone began to view this symbol as a national flag, things could be drastically changed. For that, it is important that people understand what the Bald Eagle stands for America.