MichiganRadio

Bald Eagles, Gray Wolves May Soon Be Off State Endangered List ANN ARBOR (Michigan Radio) -


State officials will hold the first of a series of public hearings this week into whether the bald eagle and the gray wolf should be removed from Michigan's endangered species list .

The Department of Natural Resources contends the bald eagle and gray wolf populations have grown significantly over the past four decades. The number of bald eagle nests has grown from less than 100 in 1969 to nearly 500 in 2006.

The Michigan Audubon Society has not yet taken a position on the possible removal of the bald eagle from the endangered list. Jonathon Lutz is the society's executive director. He says legal protections have helped the bald eagle rebound.

"Eagles are an important symbol not only of our nation, but also of conservation. The protections they've enjoyed have certainly lead to a rebound in their populations," says Lutz

The state will take public comment on removing the bald eagle and gray wolf from the endangered species list until July 10th. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio