4. Only 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states in 1963 Listed as an endangered species in the ESA of 1973 Factors: 1. Habitat Destruction : Clearing forests near lakes/rivers 2.Hunting 3.Reproductive Failure a)Ingested food contaminated with DDT b)Caused eggs to be thin shelled & cracked before embryos were mature c)Banning DDT (1972) started the recovery process d)Mercury, lead and selenium were also environmental pollutants that harmed reproductive health HOW SOLVED?? !!!!!!! Captive breeding programs !!!!!! Removal of eggs from nests in nature & raising baby eagles in refuges