Bald eagle flies off endangered list

Clinton says bald eagles like Challenger, left, are thriving in every state ( 219 K/20 sec. AIFF or WAV sound) RELATED VIDEO CNN's Sherry Rauh reports on the bald eagle's recovery from the brink of extinction. Windows Media 28K 80K

July 2, 1999
Web posted at: 2:35 p.m. EDT (1835 GMT)

In this story: 'Back from the brink' RELATED STORIES, SITES

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As the United States celebrates the anniversary of its independence this weekend, the living symbol of American freedom is flying high as well. The bald eagle, once on the verge of extinction, has now become so numerous that it was removed Friday from the endangered species list.

"It's hard to think of a better way to celebrate the birth of a nation than to celebrate the re-birth of our national symbol," said President Clinton, while making the announcement at a White House ceremony.

As if understanding the importance of the occasion, "Challenger," a bald eagle perched nearby, seemed to cheer, breaking into loud squawks as Clinton spoke on the South Lawn.

"Challenger" is a 10-year-old male bald eagle under the care of the National Foundation to Protect America's Eagles. He was blown from a wild nest as a baby and experienced too much human contact at a young age to be able to survive in the wild.

'Back from the brink'

The resurgence of the bald eagle is due in large part to federal action taken in the 1970s, the president said, taking note of the ban on the pesticide DDT and the enactment of the Endangered Species Act.

"Thanks to these efforts, the bald eagle is back from the brink," Clinton said, "thriving in virtually every state in the union."

Four years ago, with recovery of the bald eagle well under way, its status was upgraded from endangered to threatened.

Clinton said the eagle is no longer in danger of extinction and that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing that the eagle be declared fully recovered, with final action due in one year.

The Environmental Defense Fund, which fought to ban DDT, applauded the government's action.

"This is a tremendous victory for the bald eagle and for the Endangered Species Act," said Michael Bean, chair of EDF's wildlife program.

"There is no prouder symbol of our nation's commitment to preserving our natural heritage than the eagle. And there is no greater tribute to the Endangered Species Act than to allow its finest success story to fly off the list, free at last," he said in a statement.

Correspondents Chris Black and John King contributed to this report, which was written by Jim Morris