***Watch previous coverage on eagles in Ohio above.***

CLEVELAND (WJW) – With Independence Day just around the corner, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is sharing some uplifting news about one of the country’s national emblems — bald eagles continue to thrive in Ohio.

During an annual spring survey, the ODNR Division of Wildlife reported an estimated 841 active eagle nests in 2024.

That number is lower than last year’s survey, when 910 nests were reported in Ohio, but ODNR says the state’s bald eagle population remains “resilient.”

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ODNR also keeps track of nest success rate, meaning the number of nests that had eggs or eaglets. In 2024, Ohio saw an 82% success rate, which was up from 73% last year and 48% in 2022.

The average number of eagles per nest this year was 1.6, according to ODNR.

This spring, eagle parents Stars and Stripes, known for making Avon Lake their home over the years, welcomed babies at their nest next to Redwood Elementary School.

Bald eagles, which were once an endangered species, only had four nesting pairs in the state in 1979. Through widespread conservation efforts, they were removed from the federal list in 2007 and Ohio’s list in 2012.

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According to ODNR, Lake Erie and other large bodies of water are home to the most bald eagles in the state, since they provide easy access to fish.

Wildlife experts remind everyone that bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, making it illegal to disturb them. Officials recommend giving the birds of prey at least 100 yards of space.

Ohioans can report sightings of bald eagles and other wildlife here.   

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