A bald eagle ripping apart and devouring a dead fish in Northern Michigan.
Bald eagles live across the United States. They have been the national emblem of the USA since 1782. Despite this, the bald eagle was on the verge of extinction in the 1950s. Illegal hunting, habitat loss and the pesticide DDT were the main reasons for the population decline.
After passing several protection acts, the population has since recovered and was taken off the endangered species list in 2007. But habitat loss is still a risk for these majestic birds.
Bald eagles often nest near large bodies of water because they prefer to prey on fish. Eagles are opportunistic hunters that will eat other birds, mammals, reptiles and will even eat carrion. They mate for life and share responsibility in caring for their young.
Fun Fact: An eagles call is so weak and high pitched, that in movies they dub over it with the sound of a red-tailed hawk.
Eye of the Wild Photography 