Wildlife Photographer Shares Incredible Video from Alaska with Hundreds of Eagles
Bald eagles were almost driven to the brink of extinction in the United States due to a combination of factors, primarily the use of the pesticide DDT, habitat loss, and illegal hunting. They were even listed as endangered in 1973. Since then, DDT has been banned, there have been more laws to protect bald eagles and their habitats, and now they are off the endangered list as of 2007.
For those of us old enough to remember when these majestic birds were almost extinct, the video below shared on October 25 is just incredible.
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The amazing video, shared by wildlife photographer Mike Wolfel at TikTok account @a.mikewolfel has viewers absolutely in awe of such a beautiful sight.
@Kimberely comments, "You know what’s cool when I was little they were nearly extinct!! I’m 50!" @Pam adds, "What a magnificent sight and experience." @Nikki replies, "That is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Wow, beautiful."
According to The US Forest Service, Alaska’s bald eagle population is greater than all of the lower 48 states combined at an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 birds. Eagles thrive in Alaska because food is abundant, the human population is relatively sparse, and their habitat is plentiful and natural.
These beautiful birds can have wingspans of 7½ ft. The average weight is 10-12 pounds, some weigh up to 16 pounds. It's so incredible to see so many of them gathered in one place when at one time so many of us were worried we would never see these incredible creatures again.
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