The Bald Eagle: America’s Symbol—and One of Its Greatest Comeback Stories

If you’ve ever spotted a bald eagle soaring over a river or perched in a tall cottonwood along a quiet stretch of trail, you know it’s one of those moments that sticks with you. There’s something undeniably powerful about seeing America’s national bird in the wild—and it turns out, that experience is becoming more common than ever.

But the story behind the bald eagle is just as fascinating as the sighting itself.

How the Bald Eagle Became America’s Symbol

Back in 1782, as the newly formed United States searched for a national emblem, the bald eagle was chosen for the Great Seal of the United States. The reasoning was simple—it’s a bird found only in North America, and it carried a sense of strength, independence, and freedom that matched the spirit of a young nation.

Not everyone agreed with the choice, though.

Benjamin Franklin famously wrote that the bald eagle was “a bird of bad moral character,” preferring the wild turkey instead. He saw the turkey as more honorable and truly American. Meanwhile, during the Revolutionary War, the rattlesnake had also emerged as a powerful symbol of vigilance and resistance.

Still, the bald eagle won out—and more than 240 years later, it remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States.

From Near Extinction to Conservation Success

Fast forward to the mid-1900s, and the story takes a darker turn.

By the 1950s and early 1960s, bald eagle populations had plummeted to fewer than 500 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states due to habitat loss, hunting, and the widespread use of DDT, a pesticide that caused their eggshells to become too fragile to survive. 

What followed is one of the greatest conservation success stories in U.S. history.

• 1972: DDT was banned
• 1973: Bald eagles were protected under the Endangered Species Act
• 2007: The species was officially removed from the endangered list

Today, the numbers tell an incredible story of recovery:

• Around 316,700 bald eagles now live in the lower 48 states
• Including more than 71,000 nesting pairs

From the brink of extinction to thriving across the country, bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback—proof that conservation efforts can work when people commit to protecting wild places.

Where You Can Find Bald Eagles Today

One of the most exciting parts of this story? Bald eagles are no longer rare.

They’re now found in nearly every U.S. state—49 out of 50, with Hawaii as the only exception. 

Where should you look if you’re hoping to spot one?

• Near water: lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and coastlines
• Tall trees: ideal for nesting and scouting for fish

Not all states are equal when it comes to eagle sightings:

• Alaska is the undisputed champion, with an estimated
  100,000–150,000 bald eagles and around 30,000 breeding pairs
• In the lower 48, top states include:
  • Minnesota (~9,800 eagles) 
  • Florida (about 1,500 breeding pairs) 
  • Washington, both strongholds thanks to abundant water and habitat

States with notable growing populations at the minute are Colorado and Wisconsin  with nesting pairs and seasonal visitors increasing year after year.

Extra Fun Facts

• Bald eagles aren’t actually bald—the name comes from an old word meaning “white-headed.”
• They can have a wingspan up to 7.5 feet.
• Their nests (called aeries) can weigh over a ton, making them among the largest bird nests in the world.
• They mate for life and often return to the same nest year after year.

A Wild Encounter Worth Watching For

Whether you’re biking along a river trail, paddling a quiet stretch of water, or just taking a break outdoors, keep your eyes up—you might catch a glimpse of one of America’s most iconic birds.And when you do, it’s worth remembering: not long ago, that sight was incredibly rare.

Now, it’s a symbol not just of freedom—but of what’s possible when we protect the places we love.

On Which Bike Tours Can I See Bald Eagles?

You’ll have the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures on 27 of our bike tours! Check out the full list:

Wilderness Voyageurs Bike Tours operates Inn-to-Inn Bicycling Vacations across the United States.

If you want to experience the sights, sounds, culture, and geography of a place, what better way than from the saddle of your bike?

All Wilderness Voyageurs tours are fully supported with a Support-and-Gear vehicle and include beautiful routes through stunning landscape, excellent food and accommodations, top rate equipment, and dedicated and enthusiastic guides.

Meet your guides here!

Give our wonderful reservations staff a call to book your next bike tour vacation (800) 272-4141