Bald

If the bald eagle ever goes extinct, should we replace it as a national symbol?

If yes, then what with? If not, then why? I will read every answer before awarding the points so take your time and feel free to edit your response.

Public Comments

1. I don't think we should replace it because it's become a part of our nation. It's on all of our military equipment, our money and has been chosen as our symbol because the Bald Eagle is a fierce and aggressive Predator. Originally, one of our founding fathers suggested a turkey because of it's versatile use. It almost passed, and our national symbol almost was a turkey. However, the Bald Eagle has proven itself to be a worthwhile symbol for our great nation and thus if we ever changed it under unfortuante circumstances, another bird of prey would probably take its' place.
2. If by some chance it were to become extinct I think that we should leave it be at least for 50 years after the fact. I do believe however that this question fortunately is moot. The bald eagle has made a tremendous comeback over the years. I see them in places now where I never would have dreamed of seeing them. They are off of the endangered species list.
3. Yes we should keep it, what else are we going to use....a Pigeon? And no the Bald Eagle is not a fierce and aggressive predator, it is more of a scavenger than a predator. I`m not saying that they don't eat other live animals like other birds rodents and small mammals and fish, but more times than not Bald Eagles scavenge carcasses. And yes the turkey did almost become the national symbol but was rejected because it is a ground bird, whereas the eagle soars high and was seen as being majestic. The reason the turkey was considered is due to their intelligence. It was Ben Franklin who suggested the turkey, not a US president. Phoenix- The eagle was not chosen due to its lifesspan! LMAOO There were not 50 states when the Eagle was chosen. I didnt know that Alaska and Hawaii were around as states for Franklin.
4. The bald eagle was chosen because it lives a lifespan of up to 50 years--one year per state. If it ever does go extinct, we should definitely choose another animal. The Canadian national bird is the Dodo--extinct. So they replaced it with the Common Loon--thriving and common. I would have to say that they would have to replace it with the Mountain Lion. The puma, cougar, jaguar, catamount--however or whatever you want to call it. Why? Becuase the Mountain Lion is the only big cat found in North America;it is also the only place TO find it. It once lived all over the 48 continental states. The Mountain Lion alone is unique only to the Americas. In addition, it truly is a fierce and aggressive predator, and one of the only ones known to actually look down upon Man as "prey". They are brave, courageous, and are determined. While I truly love the eagle and do all I can to stop it's decline and assist in its reintroduction, I always felt that the Mountain Lion should be the national symbol