Bald eagles are thriving again after near extinction

Recovery and Current Status

• Commenters across the U.S. and Canada report seeing bald eagles routinely now—in cities, suburbs, farm country, and along rivers and coasts—where they were once rare or unheard of in the 70s–80s.
• Several note that the “near extinction” was largely in the contiguous U.S.; Alaska and parts of Canada always had strong populations, even culls.
• People highlight that the species is now classified as “Least Concern” and that this implies many other species and ecosystems also had to recover to support an apex predator.
• Some emphasize the distinction between extinction and regional extirpation and argue media should say “in the contiguous U.S.” more precisely.

Causes of Decline and Recovery

• DDT and hunting are repeatedly cited as the main historical drivers of the crash; bans on both plus active re‑introduction and hacking programs are credited with the rebound.
• Specific conservation work in North Carolina and translocations from Canada are mentioned with pride.
• Several note that protections for eagles benefited other raptors (Cooper’s hawks, peregrines, etc.), which have also become more common.

Climate, Habitat, and Threats

• One subthread disputes the role of CO₂: some see climate change as a looming threat; others argue habitat loss and human land use are much bigger immediate problems, even suggesting CO₂-linked “greening” helps vegetation.
• Avian flu outbreaks are flagged as a serious emerging threat that has already led to local closures and deaths; some speculate it could force relisting in affected states.
• Conflicts with humans: eagles taking ducks and chickens from farms, roadkill scavenging, bus strikes, and issues around construction and powerlines.

Behavior, Image, and Human Reactions

• Many stories underline how large, powerful, and intimidating eagles are in person; first sightings are often described as awe-inspiring or “reptile brain” moments.
• Their behavior is portrayed as opportunistic: eating fish, waterfowl, eels, roadkill, and trash, sometimes crowding dumps or fishing ports “like seagulls.”
• Commenters contrast the “majestic” national-symbol image with reality: annoying screeches, food-stealing, “freedom pigeons,” and frequent confusion with the dubbed red‑tailed hawk scream in media.
• Overall tone is that their comeback is a rare, tangible conservation success, even as broader biodiversity and political disputes remain contentious.