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Phoenix, AZ (KPHO/KTVK) — The population of young bald eagles soared to record heights in 2018.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department found that the eagle population broke several records during the year.
A record 87 young birds hatched during this year’s breeding season, which beat the previous record of 82 in 2017. There were also 70 birds that made their first flight, another record. At least 102 eggs were laid, which was another record.
The Game and Fish Department also identified a record 87 breeding areas, including three new areas.
Back in 1978, there were only 11 pairs of bald eagles in Arizona and the species was listed as endangered, the agency said. Now there are an estimated 69 breeding pairs.
Bald eagles nationwide were removed as a protected species under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2007, but protections under the act were reinstated in 2008 in Arizona and remained until 2011.
Nationally, the birds remain protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Game and Fish says the breeding season for bald eagles in the Grand Canyon State goes from December through June. However, eagle pairs at higher elevations nest later than those in the rest of the state.
The breeding season for bald eagles in Arizona runs from December through June, although eagle pairs at higher elevations nest later than those in the rest of the state.
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