Wisconsin DNR celebrates National Eagle Day, reflects on state’s bald eagle recovery

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Today, June 20, is National Eagle Day, and the Wisconsin Department of Resources (DNR) is celebrating the day of recognition, as well as the 85th anniversary of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

The U.S. established the act in 1940, and it ensures the protection of gold and bald eagles from hunters, poachers and collectors. The law prohibits anyone from “taking” an eagle, with “take” being defined as “pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb.”

The bald eagle has made a significant recovery in Wisconsin. State and federal protections, as well as the national ban on the pesticide DDT, allowed the bald eagle population to stabilize and grow in the state.

The DNR offers an Endangered Resources license plate for purchase. The department claims that the revenue from those sales, as well as tax form donations and state matching funds, account for as much as 40 percent of funding for endangered species, including the bald eagle.

Visit the DNR’s website for more information on the license plates.

The bald eagle was chosen to be the country’s National Symbol on June 20, 1782, just a few years after the United States declared its independence. The American Eagle Foundation says the bald eagle represents the United States’ strength and determination.