Environmental Threats: Habitat loss and degradation due to human development can impact bald eagle populations. Loss of nesting sites and hunting grounds can reduce their ability to find suitable food and raise offspring.
Accidental Deaths: Collisions with vehicles, power lines, and wind turbines are significant threats to bald eagles. These accidents can cause fatal injuries or impair their ability to hunt and survive in the wild.
Lead Poisoning: Consumption of lead from hunting ammunition or contaminated prey can lead to lead poisoning in bald eagles. This is a serious threat that affects their health and can result in death if not treated.
Illegal Shooting: Though protected by laws like the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, some bald eagles are still illegally shot by humans. This is especially problematic in areas where people see eagles as competition for fish or as predators of livestock.
Natural Predators: While adult bald eagles have few natural predators due to their size and strength, young eagles (juveniles) can fall prey to larger birds of prey, such as owls and other eagles, as well as mammals like raccoons and foxes.