Target: Brian Nesvik, Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Goal: Introduce stronger protections nationwide for bald eagles.
An eagle beloved by fans of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam was recently found dead from unknown causes. The female eagle, dubbed F23, had gained a loyal following from her yearly sojourns to a birthing nest with mate M15. The eagle pair had recently welcomed a new eaglet. M15 has taken over sole care of the eaglet, as his experience with losing a mate is not new.
Unfortunately, preventable eagle deaths are an ongoing trend nationwide. Factors like lead poisoning from ammunition, collisions with cars, and electrocution from power lines are among the leading causes of death. The trend highlights the need for better tracking and more stringent prevention investments.
Sign the petition below to urge America’s top wildlife agency to make these investments across federal lands.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Nesvik,
Eagle nest watching has become a favorite activity among many online wildlife lovers. Recently, fans of a Florida eagle cam were devastated to learn about the passing of a mother eagle…the second such death to occur in this vicinity. The tragic fate of this eagle – and the uncertain fate of her still-developing eaglet – shines a spotlight on the dangers faced by America’s living symbols.
A number of mitigation measures could lessen the most prevalent causes of death for these majestic animals. In some areas heavily populated by eagles, protective coverings have been installed on nearby power lines to prevent electrocution. Curbs on ammunition have also been implemented in order to prevent lead poisoning – the leading cause of death nationwide for eagles. And signs and advisories placed along transportation routes frequented by eagles could put a dent in the number of fatal vehicle collisions involving these birds.
Please do everything in your power to implement such methods nationwide and across federal lands, to enforce bans on eagle hunting, and to fund more robust eagle tracking programs that provide invaluable information on populations and on imminent threats. These soaring wonders represent America, and they deserve her full protection.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Thomas Shockey
