Once nearly extinct, American bald eagle populations have quadrupled in last decade

Populations of American bald eagles, once on the brink of extinction, have pleasantly surprised experts — quadrupling in size since 2009. 

In 1963, there were just 417 known bald eagle nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. But according to a new report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States' beloved national symbol is now thriving, with more than 71,4000 nesting pairs.  Scientists say there are now an estimated 316,700 individual bald eagles in the contiguous United States — a rapid increase in recent years. For comparison, the population was estimated to be 72,434 individuals, including 30,548 breeding pairs, in 2009.