Bald eagles return to the southern Great Lakes after near extinction

The bald eagle population in southern Ontario has made a remarkable recovery after near extinction due to DDT, symbolizing hope for both wildlife and human health.

Emma McIntosh reports for The Narwhal.

In short:

• The pesticide DDT nearly wiped out bald eagles in North America, causing their numbers to plummet in the mid-20th century.
• Decades of conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery, with Ontario declaring bald eagles no longer at risk in May 2023.
• Despite the success, bald eagles now face new threats from climate change and emerging contaminants.

Key quote:

"If we’re not paying attention to what we’re doing, if we’re not careful about what we’re putting into the environment, we’re just going to repeat the story over and over again."

— Jody Allair, Birds Canada

Why this matters:

The resurgence of bald eagles is a testament to the effectiveness of environmental regulations and conservation efforts. It speaks to a broader issue of how human activities impact both wildlife and human health, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action. Read more: Pesticide DDT linked to increased breast cancer risk generations after exposure.