Scientists Report Eagles Had Good Year In 1994

A higher-thanaverage number of eagles was reported in Yellowstone National Park in 1994, but one scientist says dramatic increases in development still threaten the endangered species.

A total of 13 eaglets fledged from 21 occupied territories in the park in 1994, higher than the annual average of 10 fledglings from 13 to 14 occupied territories, bird management specialist Terry McEneaney reports in the park’s quarterly publication Yellowstone Science.

The figure also was the secondhighest number of fledglings reported in the park’s recorded history.

McEneaney said the number of occupied bald eagle territories has increased each year since the 1988 fires that ravaged huge tracts land.

“It looks as though bald eagles have responded positively to the effects of wildfires,” he said.