The symbol of the United States of America, the bald eagle, is seeing a resurgence in the nation, with the species population up in the lower 48 states by 400% in the last 12 years, the Associated Press reports.
There are currently 71,400 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the 48 states, with another 316,700 individual eagles. In 1963, there were just 417 breeding pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states.
“The strong return of this treasured bird reminds us of our nation’s shared resilience and the importance of being responsible stewards of our lands and waters that bind us together,″ said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet secretary.