Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus

In cultures around the world and throughout history, eagles have been used to symbolize strength, nobility and freedom. The trend holds true in the United States, where the Bald Eagle serves as the national symbol—though ironically this species was driven to near extinction in the lower 48 states by human activities like bounty hunting, habitat destruction and pesticide poisoning. The recent improved health of Bald Eagles is one of this country’s most dramatic ecological success stories.