Celebrating the Recovery of Bald Eagle Populations on National Eagle Day
Celebrating the Recovery of Bald Eagle Populations on National Eagle Day
Updated at: June 20, 2026 at 07:15 AM
On June 20, we celebrate National American Eagle Day, a holiday marking the anniversary of the bald eagle’s selection as the U.S. national symbol in 1782.
In the 1960s, the bald eagle nearly went extinct, with only 417 nesting pairs left in the lower 48 states, largely due to the use of the pesticide DDT and habitat loss.
Thanks to the 1972 ban on DDT and the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act, these majestic birds have made an incredible comeback.
By 2007, the species was removed from the endangered list, and today, their population exceeds 300,000 individuals.
As apex predators and scavengers, bald eagles maintain ecosystem balance and support biodiversity.
National American Eagle Day serves as a vital reminder of our power to protect the natural world through legislation and advocacy, ensuring that this national icon continues to soar for generations to come.
