Bald

Can you raise a bald eagle at home?

We are doing a school project about a bald eagle. We need to know if a common household family can raise it.

Public Comments

1. C'mon ..they're endangered don't take chances..
2. No, it is illegal. They have recently been removed from the endangered species list, but they are still protected under many other laws.
3. They could probably keep it alive, but it isn't a good idea. It would not be tame, it is a wild, protected bird... It would also be against the law.
4. you can but not only would it be dangerous for the lil eaglet but i'm pretty sure its also illegal
5. No you may not. Bald eagles are still protected as are all raptors. Only qualified bird rehabilitators are permitted to raise a raptor of any kind. There are webcams set in eagle nests that you may view live time. Try doing a search on the net for one. Your class will still benefit and learn from the viewing.
6. no it is illegal
7. no it is against federal law to own a bald eagle
8. i think you might have to have a special license but i dont think its a good idea because its illegal to even have a eagle feather in your possecion (however you spell it)
9. Bald eagles are hunting birds. That means that they have the instinct to hunt. If you keep it in a common household, it may make a lot of noise and if you don't keep it in a cage, it will wreak havoc in the house. Anyway, keeping bald eagles are against the law and they are endangered.
10. No, it is illegal as the bald eagle is the national bird.
11. no.
12. No, it is illegal to own any bird, part or product from the bird by federal law. Additionally, beyond the migratory bird act which protects all migrating birds, the endangered species act provides additional protections for bald eagles. Both laws carry hefty fines and jail time. Permits are allowed for many raptors for rehab and for educational purposes, however, i'm not sure how much they're granted to non-professionals for endangered animals. I know that any changes in status for our eagles at our rehab facility needed to be reported so there is a lot of responsibility and accountability for having an eagle. Further, most people are ill-equipped to deal with raptors in a family setting. They do not have adequate facilities which requires an outdoor flight cage or, for manned down birds, flight time to the glove. Generally a night cage is also desired. Species appropriate food is necessary and is often difficult for non-professionals to obtain (it means ordering or raising rats, chicks, and for eagles, fish and other small animals). Raptors MUST be fed species appropriate diets or severe problems may result. One owl brought to our center was illegally obtained by an owner who fed it hamburger (raw) all it's life. The lack of bones (and therefore calcium) caused it to have severe osteoporosis and the bird had many, many fractures, particularly in the wings and could not fly nor hold it's wings normally over it's back. Obviously, having a raptor means one cannot go on vacation because you can't leave your eagle with a friend or pet sitter. It also means that you must spend time each day providing for the animal, cleaning the enclosure with bird-appropriate cleansers. All in all, it's inappropriate for a household to raise a bald eagle and rarely possible by those not dedicated to raptor rehab and education.
13. I read a newspaper article in Canada about a guy who had tried to raise a bald eagle in his home. The Eagle ended up killing the mans young son when he went into feed it. The eagle sunk its talons into the boys skull. Eagle have also been know to fatally injure trained professional bird handlers Eagles are dangerous birds. They have Huge Sharp Talons, and can easily bite through bone. Its also illegal to have one without a special license and permission. Its a felony actually.
14. they probley could but it isnt allowed to own one or pocess one with-out permission from the DNR
15. Your teacher should not have given you this as a project. The Bald Eagle is the national Emblem of the USA and it is illegal to have it in captivity unless it is injured and then it has to be at a sanctuary. Are you in the US? I don't know about other countries.