(Source: Arizona Game and Fish) Seasonal closures are designed to protect breeding bald eagles.PHOENIX (AP) -
Land and wildlife managers are
enacting seasonal closures around the state to protect breeding bald eagles.
The Arizona Game and Fish
Department says the closures extend to 21 areas, many of which are near rivers
and lakes that are popular recreation spots.
Bald eagles were listed
federally as an endangered species in 1978. The birds recovered to the point
they could be removed from the list in 2007.
Kenneth Jacobson of Game and
Fish says the birds are doing well in Arizona, but they're sensitive to human
activity. Bald eagles begin rebuilding nests in December to prepare for laying
eggs.
Jacobson says the willingness
of recreationists to stay clear of the eagles' breeding areas has helped the
population grow.
Arizona has 55 breeding pairs
of bald eagles.
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